In alignment with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens, stakeholders and traders at the Electrical Dealers International Market (EDIM) in Obosi are set to demolish a three-storey tower that poses a significant risk to the market’s traders.
Market Chairman Johnbosco Onunkwo revealed that the security tower, built over nineteen years ago by former Chairman Chief Innocent Okey Muojekwu, is now structurally compromised and in danger of collapsing. The announcement was made during a prayer session held by traders to seek divine protection for themselves and their businesses.
Onunkwo accused Mr. Chekwube Nwankwo of obstructing the tower’s entrance, adjacent road, and drainage channel with equipment and wares, despite numerous requests from the Union to clear the area. The Union, following directives from the Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPBB), has urged Mr. Nwankwo to remove his belongings to facilitate the tower’s demolition and prevent a potential disaster.
Chief Muojekwu, the former market chairman, emphasized that three security towers were constructed during his tenure, and reiterated appeals to Mr. Nwankwo to clear the obstructing materials. He claimed that Mr. Nwankwo had escalated the issue to ANSPBB but failed to comply with removal notices from government agencies.
Sir Anthony Adibe, a member of the Electrical Dealers Association Board of Trustees, expressed frustration over Mr. Nwankwo’s refusal to move his equipment, noting that it blocks the bulldozer’s access required for the demolition. He warned that attempting to demolish the tower without first removing the equipment could result in significant damage.
Mr. Nwankwo, a former Prayer Group Leader at the market, responded by stating that he has been reporting the tower’s deteriorating condition to previous and current administrations without any resolution. He promised to remove the equipment within two weeks, citing that the necessary crane is currently out of state but will return shortly.
