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I had delayed composing this essay, because in this era of social media boom and indiscriminate citizens journalism, it is becoming harder by the day, to verify facts in news articles. And that’s why I was circumspect, since the news sailed across all media platforms that Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State demolished Ogige Market in Nsukka. But the verdicts raised by Hon. Chijioke Edoga, the Labour Party candidate in the 2023 guber election in Enugu, in an interview last few days ago, coupled with prolonged misrepresentation of facts on various WhatsApp groups, provoked the necessity of this piece.
Last week I was at Nsukka, and saw for myself the reality on ground. The news making the rounds was that the Governor had subjected tens of thousands of traders at the Ogige Market to unenviable hardship by demolishing their shops and sending them off the Market.
Meanwhile, what happened in Nsukka was a case of “ajo ihe gba afo, o buru omenala” an age-old Igbo proverb which literally means that “when left unrefuted, every recurring vice transforms into acceptable tradition.” This is because in the late 90s, there was an unprecedented encroachment into the only central motor park in Nsukka town. Anyone born or raised in the town before 1990 knows that there was an expansive space designated and used as central motor park that preceded Ogige Market. It was in the late 90s that moneyBags started encroaching the spaces, and cunningly chasing transporters and passengers to the streets by erecting shops and plazas in spaces where vehicles are loaded. This ugly incident was allowed to fester for over three decades, and like the adage above said: it became the “norm.”
Hence, there are two sets of people who claims that Mbah demolished Ogige Market — the GenZs (those born between 1997 and 2012) who grew up to innocently, see a choked motor park as Ogige Market, and GenXs (those born between 1965 — 1980) who knew the park when it was functional, but for unidentified reasons or vested interests willfully choose to subvert the truth.
The truth is that Peter Mbah did not and has not demolished any market in Enugu or Nsukka. What he demolished is illegal structures which overtime were erected by the “rich” among us to displace old motor parks. Those saying he demolished the Market, advertently or inadvertently failed to note the distinction between Ogige market layout and the central park along Enugu road Nsukka.
But the records must be set straight; which is that in the bustling cities of Enugu State, a significant transformation is underway, spearheaded by the visionary leadership of Mbah. Contrary to the misinformation and propaganda that has been circulating, the governor’s recent efforts to reclaim old motor parks across the state are not about the demolition of markets, but rather a strategic initiative to restore order, improve public infrastructure, and elevate Enugu’s status as a modern, livable city.
For decades, the once-vibrant motor parks that served as hubs for transporters and passengers had fallen into disarray. Unscrupulous individuals, driven by personal profit, had encroached on these public spaces, erecting illegal structures and plazas to house petty, small, and medium traders. This gradual takeover not only displaced the original purpose of these motor parks but also forced drivers and passengers to resort to the dangerous practice of street and road loading, defacing the city’s appearance and compromising the safety of travelers and residents.
Governor Mbah, true to his campaign manifesto, has taken decisive action to reclaim these old motor parks and transform them into modern, state-of-the-art bus terminals. This move is not about demolishing markets, as some have falsely claimed, but rather about restoring the original purpose of these public spaces and providing a more organized, efficient, and user-friendly transportation system for the people of Enugu.
The reclaimed motor parks will now feature amenities such as designated loading and unloading zones, comfortable waiting areas for passengers, and well-structured facilities to accommodate the needs of both transporters and commuters. These ultramodern bus terminals will not only enhance the overall aesthetics of the cities but also contribute to the smooth flow of traffic, reducing congestion and improving the quality of life for Enugu residents.
It is important to note that the traders whose shops were located on the illegally occupied motor parks have not been subjected to any undue hardship. The government has made efforts to accommodate them, providing alternative trading spaces and ensuring a seamless transition to the new infrastructure, as we see at the new Relief market space along Aku Road Nsukka. This demonstrates the administration’s commitment to balancing the needs of the community and the larger vision of transforming Enugu into a truly modern and livable city.
However, the opposition politician’s attempt to mislead the public by portraying this initiative as a “demolition of markets” is not only factually incorrect but also a disservice to the people of Enugu. Mbah’s focus is on reclaiming public spaces, restoring order, and investing in infrastructure that will benefit the entire state in the long run.
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As noted above, one of the key areas where the reclamation of motor parks has had a significant impact is in Nsukka, a prominent city in Enugu State. The Old Park along Enugu Road Nsukka, which had been indiscriminately choked with shops, is now being transformed into a modern bus terminal. This development is particularly significant, as it will address the long-standing issue of street/road loading that has plagued the city for decades.
Similarly, the Old Motor Park opposite the Holy Ghost Cathedral in Enugu, which had also been overtaken by illegal structures, is now being reclaimed and redeveloped. This project will not only improve the aesthetic appeal of the area but also provide a more organized and efficient transportation hub for the city.
According to the workaholic Commissioner for Information — Hon. Aka Eze Aka, the reclamation of these motor parks is not just about physical infrastructure; it is also about addressing the deeper issues that have plagued the transportation sector in Enugu State. The proliferation of illegal structures and the encroachment of public spaces by private individuals have not only disrupted the smooth functioning of the transportation system but also contributed to the overall decline in the state’s urban landscapes.
By reclaiming these motor parks and transforming them into modern bus terminals, Governor Mbah’s administration is addressing these long-standing problems and laying the foundation for a more sustainable and modern Enugu. The investment of substantial state funds into these projects points to the government’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its citizens.
Thus, it is important for the public to understand the true nature of these reclamation efforts and the long-term benefits they will bring to the people of Enugu.
As State continues on its path of progress and development, it is crucial that the public is well-informed about the governor’s vision and the transformative changes that are taking place. By setting the record straight and highlighting the merits of the motor park reclamation project, we can collectively support the administration’s efforts and witness the emergence of a more modern, efficient, and viable Enugu.
May daylight spare us!
✍️ Jude Eze writes from Udenu LGA, and can be reached via ezejudeogechi@gmail.com
