Kelechi Kas
Chiefs, Elders and Some selected stakeholders of Orije Community, in the Oroabali Rebisi Kingdom, have appealed to the Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Victor Ihunwo, to help them get special recognition in the newly reconstructed fruits and vegetable garden market, Kaduna street D/line.
Leader of the delegation, Engr Christian Chiokwa informed the Mayor that the fruit and vegetable garden market is sited on Orije community’s land, adding that the authorities should recognise the community by renaming the market, “Orije Fruit and Vegetables Garden Market”.
He said that in 1999 the community paid a similar visit to the then Mayor of Port Harcourt City, Late Chief Nnamdi Wokekoro and made the same appeal they are making.
He explained that the then administration in PHALGA allocated some shops in the market to them, the shops they occupied up until the unfortunate fire incident that gutted the market that necessitated the reconstruction by Gov Nyesom Ezenwo Wike.
Another member of the delegation told the Mayor that the community had five shops in the former market before the fire incident and appealed that once the Governor hands over the new market to the council after commissioning, he should please increase the number of shops allocated to Orije community.
Responding, Victor Ihunwo reminded them that the Amadi Oparaeli community had made a similar appeal to him for recognition as they also claimed to be the ground owners of the fruits and vegetables garden market.
The Mayor said he will direct the council Secretary Dr Ezebunwo Nyeche to invite both communities to the council on a yet to be announced date so he can resolve their disagreement amicably.
“It is a good thing to always agitate for what you think is rightfully yours, but the way and manner you go about it matters a lot.
“l sincerely commend you for being peaceful and also, you have a very strong son in Christian Chiokwa that is always selfless in his service to your communnity” ;Hon Ihunwo said.
