Tuesday 23 February 2016

Protest in Eket over demolition of structures


Protest in Eket over demolition of structures

BY ASSAM ABIA  

Some traders along      Marina Road, Eket,      on Monday protested the on-going demolition of “illegal” structures by the Akwa Ibom State Government.  

The traders numbering over 100 demanded that they be paid compensation as their business premises was not illegal and has been earmarked for compensation.  


They carried playcards with inscriptions such as “We have not been paid compensation as promised”, 
“Governor Udom, we voted for you, please help us”, 
 Protest in Eket over demolition of structures
“Our means of livelihood are destroyed” and “show us were to relocate” among others.  Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Obong Mkparawa of Ekpene Village, Stanley Udoagha said sometime last year, a team of Surveyors and inspectors from Uyo came to Eket and distinguished between illegal structures and those earmarked for compensation but that properties meant for compensation were destroyed alongside illegal structures.  

“We are not against, development but what we are saying is that the State Government should pay compensation to those entitled to it” he said.  Our correspondent reports that the task forced team that came from the Local Government to demolish structures were chased away by the angry traders. 

All efforts to speak with the transition Chairman, Mr. Frank Archibong proved abortive as he refused picking calls and messages directed at his G.S.M phone.  The ongoing demolition of illegal structures in Eket metropolis is part of Governor Udom Emmanuel’s beautification project of Eket Urban.

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