TENSION IN AWKA TIMBER MARKET AS COUNCIL BOSS BATTLES LEADERSHIP

A quick intervention of the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi is needed to calm the tension presently mounting at the popular Awka timber market following the purported dissolution of the market leadership by the Awka South Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Emma. E. Okoye.

Already, the executive of Awka Timber Dealers Association (ATDA) has petitioned the governor, calling for his intervention in the matter to avert what, according to him would lead to anarchy in the market.

In its petition signed by Mr. Okechukwu Agbata and Mr. Peter Iniyiagu, chairman and secretary respectively, the traders contended that the election that brought the current executive on board was free and fair and that there was no reason for the council boss to announce the dissolution of the executive.

The petition to Obi reads in part: 'Sir, it was with shock and surprise that the entire body of the registered union, without any previous warning, questioning or notice suddenly beheld a public notice by 'Chairman, Transition Committee' dissolving the executive of the union without presenting to the union or giving the union notice of the reasons and facts upon which the act of dissolution rests or is based.

Neither was the union or its executive called upon or invited to make any representation or otherwise availed the benefit of fair hearing before the erroneous public notice.

'Sir, we write you urgently for we know you cherish peace and know you have always been disposed to spare nothing to achieve, maintain and sustain peace not only in this Anambra State, the domain of your authority but also wherever you are called upon or involved in one way or the other for the purposes of peace.

'Sir, we appeal to you to intervene and reverse the said dissolution of the executive of the Awka Timbers Dealers Association of Uwakwe Ukaegbu Market Umuokpu Awka, a decision and purported act of the chairman, Transition Committee Awka South Local Government Area.

'Sir your intervention and an immediate one is necessary to avert and arrest anarchy, chaos, the tumult, revolt and protest, which may erupt any moment from now and may result in the wanton destruction of the property and loss of lives.'

When Daily Sun visited the Council headquarters Awka to speak with the Chairman he was said to be out of the premises and attempts to get him on phone proved abortive as his line could not be reached.