… Gives concession to host community
By: Felix Ikpotor
The hopes of former shop owners in the newly reconstructed phase 2, Rumuwoji (Mile1) Market in Port Harcourt of retaining their shops may have been finally dashed as the Rivers State government has said it will do a fresh allocation process for traders who will occupy the shops.
The state governor, Chief Nyesom Wike dropped the bombshell during the inauguration of the market, Wednesday in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
While delivering a welcome address, leaders of the market union had appeal to the governor to consider the former shop owners first in its allocation process, noting that during the allocation of phase 1, they were ignored.
But the governor in his speech said: “I don’t know who was here before or not. I will do my own allocation. If you are a former shop owner and it gets to you then no problem.”
Wike continued that he will give first consideration to the host community.
“I will allocate shops to Rumuwoji community first, followed by the women of the community before allocating the rest out”.
The governor who said the state government spent huge amount of money to construct the market, also barred the chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government, Victor Ihunwo from collecting revenue of any kind from the market as it is a state government facility and as such all revenue accruing from the market should go to the state government coffers.
He promised to construct more shops in the newly acquired space behind the market and a new market for Orowuoroko (Mile 3) community.
Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi who inaugurated the ultra modern market commended Wike for his numerous projects in the state.
Fayemi who is the chairman, Nigeria Governors Forum, NGF, noted that Wike is a frontline member of the forum and enjoys their support.
On his part, Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo said occupants of the shops will emerge through an open balloting system.
He did a sample of the system which led to the emergence of three lucky winners.
PHSpectator recalls that Wike during his electioneering campaign had promised to rebuild the market which had earlier been gutted by fire.
