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By Madu Obi
The member representing Awka North and South in the House of Representatives, Professor Lilian Orogbu, has called on the Anambra State government to stop the ongoing demolition in the Awka Capital Territory, arguing that so much pain is being inflicted on people.
She said that it was inhuman for government to embark on the demolition of people's property when it had not provided alternative places for them to carry out their businesses.
Describing the action as barbaric and wicked, Orogbu said it shows no regard for the plight of the poor masses who, she added, are striving to make ends meet in this time of economic hardship.
She said: "It is a violation of the fundamental human rights of the traders to earn a living and provide for their families."
"The state government claims that it is implementing the environmental laws to keep the state clean and orderly, but this is a lame excuse to justify their brutality and oppression."
"The state government has failed to provide alternative means of livelihood for the traders, or to create a conducive and regulated environment for their businesses."
"As a federal representative, I must defend the interests and welfare of my constituents, who are among the victims of this injustice. I condemn this act in the strongest terms and demand that the state government and the ACTDA immediately stop this harassment and intimidation of the traders."
"I also call for the compensation and rehabilitation of the affected traders, and the prosecution of those responsible for this atrocity."
"I call on all concerned stakeholders to step in and protect the traders' rights and dignity from this oppression and urge the public to stand with the traders and voice their opposition to this injustice."
"The traders are not lawbreakers, but diligent and obedient citizens who need our backing and empathy. They are not the foes of the state, but the pillars of our economy and society."
"They are not the trouble, but the answer. I therefore appeal to Governor Soludo to rethink his actions, prioritize the people's welfare, and apply the laws with kindness, providing alternatives and addressing the root causes of the people's challenges".
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