From Emmanuel Uzor,
Awka
As more reactions continue to train the destruction of goods and other wares belonging to petty traders mainly women by agents of Anambra State government, the Member representing Awka North and South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof Lillian Orogbu has condemned the act and described it as brutality against defenseless women.
Prof Orogbu was reacting to the viral video where agents of Awake Capital Territory Development Authority, ACTDA were seen destroying wares of market women along major cities of Awka and it’s environs for allegedly obstructing the roads.
The lawmaker in her letter, made available to newsmen condemned the actions of Anambra state government and called on Annbara state government to pay compensation to the victims and prosecute the officials involved.
“I am writing with profound dismay and utter disappointment to condemn the distressing events that occurred in Awka Capital Territory on Monday, when the Anambra State government, under the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), led by Mr. Ossy Onuko, demolished and burned the wares and properties of petty traders in the state”
“This is a barbaric and wicked act that shows no regard for the plight of the poor masses who are striving to make ends meet in this time of economic hardship. It is also a violation of the fundamental human rights of the traders to earn a living and provide for their families”
“The state government, under the directive of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, claims that it is implementing the environmental laws to keep the state clean and orderly, but this is a lame excuse to justify their brutality and oppression. The state government has failed to provide alternative means of livelihood for the traders, or to create a conducive and regulated environment for their businesses.
The lawmaker also expressed her resolve to stand by the women and fight the injustice, adding that government should have human face.
“As a federal representative, I must defend the interests and welfare of my constituents, who are among the victims of this injustice. I condemn this act in the strongest terms and demand that the state government and the ACTDA immediately stop this harassment and intimidation of the traders. I also call for the compensation and rehabilitation of the affected traders, and the prosecution of those responsible for this atrocity”
“I call on all concerned stakeholders to step in and protect the traders’ rights and dignity from this oppression. I also urge the public to stand with the traders and voice their opposition to this injustice. The traders are not lawbreakers, but diligent and obedient citizens who need our backing and empathy. They are not the foes of the state, but the pillars of our economy and society. They are not the trouble, but the answer. I appeal to Governor Soludo to rethink his actions, prioritize the people’s welfare, and apply the laws with kindness, providing alternatives and addressing the root causes of the people’s challenges”