The Ariaria chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) has commended Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, for his transformative leadership, particularly in road infrastructure and market remodelling initiatives across the state.
In a communique issued after a meeting on Friday and signed by the chapter chairman, Nnaoma Okafor, the group praised the governor's "visionary and divine" leadership, noting that his policies have touched every part of the state and rekindled hope among residents.
However, the traders appealed to Governor Otti to suspend further remodelling plans in Ariaria International Market until the ongoing reconstruction of "A" Line is completed. They warned that proceeding without alternative arrangements could displace over 10,000 traders.
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They urged a temporary halt to demolitions to allow dialogue with developers on key issues such as project timelines, shop costs, and assurance that original shop owners will regain their spaces.
NANTS also accused some zone chairmen of a lack of transparency in communicating the project plans to traders.
The association cautioned that poorly planned displacement could threaten the livelihoods of over 50,000 people, potentially plunging families into poverty and increasing the risk of social vices among idle youths.
