Advocacy Group Calls for Transparency in Onitsha Market Demolition Case
The Recover Nigeria Project, a prominent advocacy organization, has issued a direct appeal to Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo. The group is demanding the immediate publication of the names of all government officials who granted approvals for the construction of what have been termed "illegal structures" within the Onitsha Main Market. This call to action follows the state government's recent demolition exercise, which targeted shops and plazas deemed non-compliant with the market's original master plan.
Demolition Sparks Public Debate and Economic Concerns
On Sunday, March 1, the Anambra State government, acting through the Onitsha North Local Government Area, initiated the demolition of specific sections of the bustling Onitsha Main Market. State authorities justified this action by stating that the affected structures were erected without proper adherence to the market's established layout and regulatory framework. Governor Soludo has publicly defended the demolition, characterizing it as a "hard, but necessary" step within a broader administrative strategy to remodel and modernize the market's infrastructure, thereby securing its future viability.
The demolition has ignited widespread debate across various segments of society, primarily due to its significant impact on the livelihoods of numerous traders. For many, these shops represented their primary source of economic survival, making the government's action a subject of intense public scrutiny and concern.
Recover Nigeria Project's Stance on Accountability
In an exclusive interview, Comrade Osita Obi, the Convener of the Recover Nigeria Project, articulated the group's position. Obi acknowledged that the demolition itself was a necessary measure to curb haphazard construction, noting that many affected areas were originally designated as parks and open spaces before being converted into shops.
"For sure, the demolition undertaken by the Anambra government is in order, because we cannot continue to build anyhow," Obi stated. "Though it came with pains for the affected traders, yet the Anambra government is right in doing the demolition."
However, Obi emphasized that true accountability requires going further. He argued that to fully exonerate the current administration from blame and to genuinely address the root cause of the problem, Governor Soludo must urgently publish the names of the public office holders who originally permitted these illegal constructions.
Call for Deterrence and Systemic Change
The advocacy group's demand is rooted in a desire for long-term reform. Obi expressed a critical concern: "If the government failed to do so, we're not sure that tomorrow, after demolishing and beautifying the place, another set of government officials will not come and approve the construction of another illegal structure. But if names are published, that will serve as a deterrent to other public office holders who may like to go that way in the future."
Obi pointed out that the approval process for such constructions is documented. "The files are there at the Onitsha North local government secretariat and the state Ministry of Trade and Commerce," he asserted. "Before such construction is done, approval must be sought and given, and there must be files for such a transaction. The government should go through the files, bring the names, and publish them." He concluded by urging Anambra State to cease condoning what he described as "rascality" from within its own ranks.
Compensation for Affected Traders Deemed Inappropriate
When questioned about the possibility of financial compensation for the traders whose businesses were demolished, Comrade Osita Obi was unequivocal in his opposition. He firmly stated that the government should not compensate for the removal of illegally built structures.
"There is no way the government should pay compensation for demolishing illegal structures. It does not make sense," he concluded. "If the government does so, it becomes reinforcement rather than punishment for wrongdoing." This stance highlights the group's focus on enforcing regulations and deterring future violations rather than mitigating the immediate financial losses incurred from unlawful activities.
The call from the Recover Nigeria Project places significant pressure on the Soludo administration to demonstrate transparency and tackle potential corruption or negligence within the government's approval processes. The response from the state government will be closely watched as a measure of its commitment to accountability and systematic urban planning reform.
