By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The Old Market Phone Sellers Association in Lokoja has appealed to the Lokoja Local Government Authority to grant its members approval to rebuild their shops following last week’s demolition.
The Chairman of the association, Idris Danladi Ndanusa, made the appeal while speaking to newsmen on Wednesday, describing the exercise as a major setback to the livelihoods of members.
Ndanusa recalled that the local government authority, alongside security operatives, carried out the demolition after claiming they received numerous complaints from members of the public, a move he said was surprising as both parties are supposed to be partners in progress.
He, however, dismissed allegations that the market harbors criminal elements, insisting that members of the association are law-abiding.
“We don’t allow criminals here as people believe. On several occasions, we have handed over suspected receivers of stolen phones to the police,” he said.
He stressed that the traders depend on the business to support their families and meet essential needs.
“We are married with children. We feed and pay our children’s school fees through this business. We are not thieves,” he added.
The chairman further noted that the association has consistently worked with security agencies to ensure discipline within the market, adding that any member found wanting is reported accordingly.
He appealed to the local government to reconsider its decision and allow the traders rebuild their shops, noting that many members have been left stranded since the demolition.
According to him, goods worth significant amounts were lost during the exercise, worsening the economic condition of affected traders.
Ndanusa assured that, if granted approval, the association would maintain cleanliness and orderliness in the market environment.
“We are ready to comply with all regulations. We can even sign an undertaking with the government to ensure proper conduct and sanitation,” he said.
He also called on relevant stakeholders and community leaders to intervene in the matter, emphasizing that restoring their shops would help revive their businesses and contribute to the local economy.
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