Okorocha Celebrates Demolishing Ekeukwu Market
By Austin Echefu
Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on Sunday celebrated the demolition of the popular Ekeukwu Owerri Market on August 20, 2017, saying that doing so has brought peace and security to the state.
The Governor disclosed this in his speech at the end of the Church Service to mark the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Victory Chapel, Government House Owerri, on Sunday, January 14, 2018, noting that he had never seen any other profession where the personnel would sign their death warrant before they are employed except the armed forces.
He said: “We cannot talk about 2018 without reflecting on the issues of 2017. 2017 was full of activities. We saw our Urban Renewal taking a different dimension. Today our streets are much better than before. In 2017, we saw the coming down of Ekeukwu Market”.
He added that “In 2018, we shall not be found wanting, and we will do things better than last year to the surprise of many. The relative peace and security we’re enjoying in the state is as a result of the commitment of the Armed Forces in the state and the removal of Ekeukwu Market and Keke operations drastically reduced crime in the state coupled with the creation of the Ministry of Happiness”
It could recalled that the demolition of the Ekeukwu Market had gone bloody with many injured while young Somtochukwu Ibeabuanusi was killed.
They traders also said they had got an injunction from the court restraining the government from demolishing the market, saying that the market was demolished in disregard to the court order.
However, the Governor described the wives of men of the armed forces as great women who should be celebrated, stating that for such women to accept to marry men who signed their death warrant as a condition for their engagement or recruitment showed that they are exceptional and great.
He added: “I have never seen any other profession where the workers or service men would sign their death warrant before they are employed and great are the women who marry such men who are sometimes victims of the circumstances they find themselves. We need to appreciate and honour them”.
He continued: “We in Imo State will partner with the armed forces and we’re blessed to have the best of commanders of the Armed Forces that at the snap of fingers, you see them mobilizing and fighting to save lives without counting the cost”.
Governor Okorocha also noted that “But for you the legionaries, we admit that the State has not lived up to expectations in taking care of our Ex-Service men and this applies to all parts of this country. We must find a way to honour them. For us here in Imo State, we have decided to engage all former Military men and ex-service men who are retired but not tired in a voluntary service to the state through the Ministry of Happiness particularly the men who must be kept busy to avoid redundancy”.
He said he had directed that a place be made available and an edifice be erected as quickly as possible for the Nigerian Legion upon learning that they did not have an office in Owerri.
He added: “Let me use this opportunity to welcome you to the New Year 2018. 2018 will be better than 2017. But we can’t talk about 2018 without reflecting on the issues of 2017.
“2017 was full of activities. We saw our Urban Renewal taking a different dimension. Today our streets are much better than before.
“When I was elected the Governor of this state, I decided to turn around the state and somewhere around Concorde Hotel, I saw a statue which they call the unknown soldier. I discovered after cross-examining myself that the statue represented service to the people.
“And from there came the theme of this government’s administration – Rescue Mission”.
According to the Governor: “Leaders always back comfort. They’re always misunderstood and celebrated only after they have exited. This is the very reason I have created the Heroes Square right behind this statue so that we can celebrate our heroes past and present beginning with our own most outstanding hero, Ikemba Ojukwu whom the Centre is named after”.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike appreciated the government and people of Imo State for the church service, adding that he has attended Armed Forces Remembrance Day Services in other States but this one is very unique.
He prayed for God to strengthen the widows of the fallen heroes.
The Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Lazarus, harped on the need to respect men and women of the Armed Forces, stating that Imo recorded a crime-free yuletide because of the structures and arrangements put on ground by the Governor, which he said was a plus to the government of Imo State.
