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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
Traders in Apo in the Federal Capital Territory ( FCT), Abuja, has petitioned the House of Representatives over the refusal of the Federal Capital Development Authority ( FCDA) to sign the lease agreement for their permanent site, in Waru, 13 years, after it was allocated to them.
The traders, on the aegies of Apo Traders Association, during a meeting with a group of South East members of the House of Representatives, led by the member representing Ideato Federal Constituency, on Monday, appealed to the parliament to come to their aid.
The traders, who spoke through their chairman, Chief Chimezie Ifeh, said although they have paid for the survey of the site allotted them and fulfilled every other occasion, the FCDA authorities have refused to sign the agreement.
Ifeh explained that the land was alloted to them in 2010 by the then Minister of the FCT, Bala Mohammed, after they were forced to vacate their former place by the government. He lamented that despite the mililons of naira they have invested in the new site, the government was yet to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between them.
Consequently, the market leader said his members have been compelled to trading on the road corridor, with the attendant risks.
According to him, “during End Sars protest we lost two lives and properties worth a billion naira because we are trading on the road corridor. We have spent over hundred million on this our project and all the present and the past Directors have advise us on what to do and we have done it still yet the former minister refused to sign the lease agreement.”
Ugochinyere, in his response, assured the traders that the lawmakers will take issue before the House, and ensure that their concerns are addressed.
Similarly, another of the House, Obi Aguocha, who also spoke at the meeting, lauded the lawmakers for not resorting to self help. Aguocha urged them to continue to law abiding, knowing that they have capable representatives in the parliament, who will will always defend their interest.
“Call us anytime before you take any action. We will continue to sue for peace. It is through peace we can achieve development in this place. We will read your petition in the House tomorrow or next, ” he stated.
