The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abass has ordered a full scale investigation into the threat to the business interests and livelihood of hundreds of Igbo traders in Apo axis of Abuja, the federal capital city.
In effect, the Speaker directed the yet to be constituted House committee on public petition to probe into the long delay by the Federal Capital Development Authority ( FCDA) to sign the lease agreement for the relocation of the popular Apo traders and mechanic to their proposed permanent site ,Waru ,13 years ago after it was agreed upon.
The Speakers directive followed a formal presentation of a petition on the issue by the deputy Chairman House Adhoc Committee on media and publicity Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu on the floor of the house on behalf of the Apo trades Association.
Ugochinere who represents Ideato North and South federal constituency of Imo state described the refusal of of the Federal Capital Development Autjority ( FCDA) to grant them the right to permanent site after several years of application and necessary payment made as unjust and unfair.
The Lawmaker called on the House to wade into the issue in the interest of justice and fairplay.
The presentation of the petition is coming barely 24 hours after Hon Ugochinyere had led other other six members of the House from South East to Apo Mechanic vilage of thr Apo traders.
Others on the visit to Apo on Monday Honorable Nkem Kama representing Ivo Federal Constituency, Hon Tochi Okere Representing Owerri Federal Constituency, Hon Peter Ani Ekwe Representing Anambra West and East Constituency, Honorable Obi Aguocha, representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South, Hon Matthew Nwogu Representing Aboh ,Mbaise, Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency
The traders, under the umbrella, Apo Traders Association, have made a passionate appeal to the Green chamber to come to their rescue.
Led by Chief Chimezie Ifeh, at a meeting with South East Federal lawmakers, the traders claimed that they have fulfilled every condition for the land.
Ifeh explained that after the land was allotted to them by former FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed,theu
paid for the survey of the site and fulfilled every other occasion, yet the FCDA authorities have refused to sign the agreement.
He lamented that despite the mililons of naira they have invested in the new site, the government was yet to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between them. Consequently, the market leader said his members have been compelled to trading on the road corridor, with the attendant risks.
“During End Sars protest we lost two lives and properties worth a billion naira because we are trading on the road corridor. We have spent over hundred million on this our project and all the present and the past Directors have advise us on what to do and we have done it still yet the former minister refused to sign the lease agreement,” he stated.
