Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state Wednesday vowed not to give traders in Abakaliki main market a second chance after the expiration of March 1st, 2020 which is the final day for relocation to the newly constructed international market on Tran-Saharan Highway.
The governor insisted that the date for the relocation remains sacrosanct adding that no trader would engage in buying and selling in the market after the expiration of the date.
Umahi had for sometimes shifted deadlines for traders’ relocation to the international market on more than two occasions.
At a meeting held at old Government House, Abakaliki, the women complained of difficulties in getting shops at the international market and the governor assured them that he would ensure they all get shops and move into the market.
He also told them that they must buy the shops if they have the money or rent them if they don’t have money. He added that if they don’t want to buy or rent shops they would not enter the international market or continue to stay in the main market for trade.
The governor promised to offer lands free to women traders who are willing to construct their own shops in the international market if the available shops in the market couldn’t go round.
He stated that adequate arrangements have been provided in the market to ensure smooth business.
“The movement to the international market is sacrosanct and nothing can change it. From 2nd of the month, no marketing activities must take place at Abakpa. On 29th February, there will be no marketing activities.
“The day would be used to clean that Abakpa and the new market. No market shall open in that Abakpa and no movement from that day onwards. The only movement is to move your things to the international market if you have not moved,” he told the traders.
