The President of Amaraku Concerned Citizens (ACC), Hon. Henry Chinamerem Nwaiwu, has issued a strong warning to developers and certain community leaders over what he described as “rampant land grabbing, intimidation of traders, and deliberate deviation from the community’s development plan.”
Addressing the press in Amaraku, Nwaiwu condemned the ongoing activities surrounding the construction of the Orie Amaraku Market, expressing deep concerns over the actions of some developers and leaders.
“Amaraku is not for sale. The traders must be allowed to breathe. This community belongs to all her sons and daughters, and no portion of it should be hijacked under the guise of development,” Nwaiwu declared.
He alleged that they are all acting in selfish interest rather than for the collective good of Amaraku.
Nwaiwu lamented the growing underdevelopment and disunity in a community once known for peace and progress.
According to him, Amaraku is the economic hub of Isiala Mbano LGA, strategically positioned and connected to over 50 autonomous communities including Añara, Ugiri, Umunkwo, and Amauzari.
He particularly decried the disregard for the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the developers and the community, accusing the developers of altering the original master plan of the market and compromising the quality and safety of buildings under construction.
“There is an alarming level of greed, maladministration, and covetousness being displayed. These actions are endangering the lives of traders and commuters. If urgent corrective steps are not taken, we may be heading for a major crisis,” he warned.
Nwaiwu, who leads the Amaraku Concerned Citizens, said the group was formed in response to the injustices being perpetuated in the name of development.
He stressed that their objective is to safeguard the welfare of traders, protect community assets, and ensure accountability from those in leadership.
Beyond the market, the ACC President drew attention to several decaying infrastructures in the community, including the Amaraku Central School, which remains unfenced; the Amaraku Secondary School, which lacks a science laboratory, a library, and standard classrooms; and the Amaraku Health Centre, which he described as severely under-equipped.
“The revenue generated in Amaraku is enough to address these pressing issues, yet we continue to suffer due to mismanagement and lack of vision. It is unacceptable,” Nwaiwu added.
He concluded by calling on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Amaraku to rise in defense of their community’s future.
“No individual or group has the right to sell Amaraku. We will resist it. We demand transparency, justice, and genuine development. Let the traders breathe!”. He said.
