The rumour making the rounds that traders at new auto spare parts market (Mgbbuka) in Ohiya, Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State have been given notice by PHCN to quit the market is after all false and the handiwork of detractors of Abia State government.
According to Michael Onwuka, the managing director of J.O Onwuka and Company Limited, developers of the market, the said rumour mill was the antics used by some disgruntled traders who opposed the relocation move by the Abia State government, adding that such people’s method was to instill fear into traders with a view to luring them to Onuimo in Imo State.
He further linked the rumour to aggrieved former market management officials who lost out in a recent minor shake-up in the market, who he said have resorted to rumour mongering.
He said moreover the state government had earlier advised traders in the market to go about their businesses without any fear since the said land belongs to Abia.
The boss of the developers of the market, who hinted that the project was a long term one, said that it would span for a period of seven years.
Onwuka disclosed that a lot of improvement has been recorded in the market, adding that so far 500 shops have been completed while 130 are at various stages of completion.
According to him, the market has become a beehive of commercial activities, noting that a lot of people have been empowered by engaging in selling of different wares thereby making the auto parts market one stop shop.
It would be recalled that the traders were relocated to Ohiya barely four months ago, a short distance from Ohiya power station, which was commissioned about a year ago.
UDOKA AGWU, Umuahia
