Traders protest alleged extortion, intimidation by Delta LG Chairman

Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Chika Ossai (left) addressing the Protesters

Traders from the popular Ogbeogono market situated in the capital city of Asaba, today, led a peaceful demonstration to the Delta State Government House in protest of alleged extortion and intimidation by the chairman of the Local Government , Hon.Uche Osadebe.

Leader of the protesters, chief Okey Onyemaechi said that the Local Government chairman has been evasive and insensitive to their complaints.

According to Onyemaechi, the protest was ignited by a notice in demand for relocation and subsequent demolition of their shops.

He said “ they asked us to pay a lot of money. They treat us the way they like and anytime we want to see him , he will not see us.
“We have taken the matter to court and they adjourned to 28th of October, that is next month.

“Surprisingly, we received one letter from the Local Government that they are coming to destroy the market that they don’t care if the matter is in court. The traders are ready to resist them.

“ A shop of about two ft. they are saying we should come and pay three million while another shop larger than that is Six million”.

Some of the inscriptions on the placards they were carrying read: “ multiple collection of money, yet demolition of our shops” and “ Stop demolition traders shops, Uche Osadebe, Show respect”.

Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Chika Ossai however appreciated the peaceful demonstration of the traders, assuring that State Government will look in the issue.

He promised to invite the Local Government Chairman and the management staff as well as the traders’ representatives to resolve the grievances.