Tension heightened in Anambra state on Thursday, February 15, following the destruction of newspapers and beating of vendors in the state by the men of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA).
It was gathered that they brazenly declared their disregard, suggesting the matter be left to God, while insisting that the state government forbids newspaper sales on the streets.
Among the newspapers destroyed were The Nation, The Sun, Vanguard, Punch, and Guardian.
The aides also attacked individuals at the popular Aroma junction, including security personnel, and destroyed the vendors’ PoS machines.
The action of men of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority ACTDA, made passersby and petty traders in the area, to rein curses on the operators of such mayhem.
The Nation reports that the reckless action by the ACTDA drew curses from onlookers and local traders.
The vendors have therefore vowed not to resume newspaper sales until there is a change in Soludo’s administration.
The tables of the vendors were equally destroyed while their umbrellas were confisticated by the agents of the government.
Last week, such inhuman treatment by Soludo ‘s aides attracted the attention of the state lawmakers, who advocated for a mini market to set up for them in the state.
According to the lawmakers, such was to control the menace of street trading and associated effects on the state capital.
The sponsor of the motion, Henry Mbachu, is the member representing Awka South 1 Constituency.
While making his submission during plenary, Mbachu said poverty rate was on the increase, adding that creating avenues for people to earn a living had become mandatory.
“There are many quarters within Awka metropolis which create the need to establish local mini-markets to serve the people living within those areas.
“It is nearly impossible to secure a shop within the already established markets and the limited shops available are in high and exorbitant price to rent.
“The creation of mini-markets within Awka metropolis, will be a solution to solve the menace of shanties, street trading and serve as a means of encouraging micro businesses thereby achieving the goals of making Anambra a livable and prosperous homeland, ” the lawmaker said
Soludo ‘s Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, said he was not aware of the situation, but promised to reach out to the MD of the agency.
Aburime maintained that keeping Anambra clean was for everyone, adding that even in Lagos, newspaper vendors were allowed to exist at their different designated areas.
One of the ACTDA officials was overheard saying, “our Governor is behind what we are doing, if they like, let them report to Tinubu, nothing will happen.”
The destruction had not been against the vendors alone, but to every petty trader along all the streets in Anambra state as part of government’s ‘keep Anambra clean project.
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