A cross section of traders in Owerri, Imo state captial have accused the immediate past Special Adviser to governor Hope Uzodinma on Market development, Lady Joy Mbawuike of frustrating effort of agents of Imo state government to collect tolls from for government.
Some of the traders who spoke to this reporter on condition of anonymity averred that the sacked SA was seen at World bank market and other markets where she went about informing the traders why they should not pay tolls to market executives.
One of the sources at World bank market maintained that the traders are willing to pay.”For us,it is part of our agreement with the government of Imo state to encourage the good work of Senator Hope Uzodinma who he said is not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring provision of basic amenities for markets in Imo.There is no other way we can support the government apart from paying our tolls promptly”, he said.
It was not clear what could be Mbawuike’s reason for allegedly discouraging the traders from paying but another source alleged that having been at the helm of affairs of markets in Imo state under Rochas Okorocha, lately, senator Hope Uzodinma before she was eventually relieved of the appointment, she expects the traders to continually pay allegiance to
her.
Onother trader atpayingd bank who simply identified himself as Mr Nwachukwu accused Mbawuike of sabotaging government’s effort even when she claims to be working for the government.
When contacted, Hon Mbawuike said,”it is not my duty to tell traders to pay tolls or not. I am not answerable to the market or traders, I am answerable to the governor.
“I went to world bank market with SA to the governor on Industry for investigation concerning a negative report we got. We met the Chairman and expressed our displeasure over the development and I heard they want to write a petition against me, to intimidate me”.
