By Ben Adoga
Shop owners in one of Abuja’s popular markets, Karu market, are planning a massive protest against officials of the Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC and the market unions who they accuse of conniving to make the market unconducive for business.
Our reporter gathered that crisis was averted on Wednesday when the unions and AMAC officials tried to collect N2,000 security and sanitation levy from shop owners.
Observations on Wednesday showed that the road leading to Jikwoyi, stretching from the market through the Sakaruyi’s palace towards CBN Quarters was completely blocked, causing heavy discomfort to the motoring public as traders have started ‘season sales’ on the road.
The car park under construction was also wholly taken over by umbrella shops, making it difficult for buyers to access the market for purchases.
When asked, one of the traders who refused to give her name for obvious reasons said the AMAC officials and the market unions allocated those spaces to the traders for ‘ season sales ‘ for the sum of N1,000 each, and that the illegal allocation would be valid till January.
She hinted our reporter that shop owners are planning a demonstration to notify the FCT Minister and the Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council, AMAC, owners and operators of the market.
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She said the planed peaceful protest would visit the FCT Minister’s office before proceeding to AMAC chairman’s office.
On the reason for the tension on Wednesday, one Danjuma Dodo, a shop owner said the illegal allocation made trading difficult and has cut off their customers as they can’t access their shops, but simply buy on the road and go back, yet the same people who caused them this pain are demanding N2,000 from them for security and sanitation.
He said they are ready to fight to restore sanity and pleasant business environment in the market. He said they will not pay that money till the illegal allocations are stopped.
Recall that in February this year, the SSA to the FCT Minister on Monitoring, Enforcement and Evaluation, Ikharo Attah led his enforcement team and removed all infractions in the market and opened up space for the developers to commence work.
