Uche Nnaji has promised free shops to traders displaced by market demolitions in Enugu State. The PDP governorship candidate made the pledge on Sunday while receiving a coalition of interest groups at his campaign office in Enugu. The delegation included leaders of the Arewa Northern Forum, traders displaced from Gariki Market, members of the interfaith council and leaders of non-indigenous communities.
Enugu has demolished markets in recent years as part of urban renewal. Gariki Market was among those affected. Traders lost stalls and livelihoods. The demolitions triggered protests and legal challenges. The state government said the markets were illegal or obstructed roads. Traders said they were not consulted and received no compensation. Similar demolitions occurred in Lagos and Abuja, displacing thousands of small businesses.
Nnaji said his administration would review the demolitions and build replacement markets. He said restoring traders’ livelihoods would be a priority. “From the experience people have had and the trauma they have gone through, I know for a fact that many people have died,” he said. He also promised to abolish multiple taxation. His emerging slogan, “No More Tax,” reflects that commitment. “One of the first things we will do when we assume office is to remove these taxes so that our people can breathe fresh air once again,” he said.
He also promised to address disputes involving filling stations on land intended for markets. He said his administration would explore relocating such facilities to enable trading to resume. He pledged an industrialisation programme focused on oil, cement, iron ore and steel. He said industrial centres would be supported by residential estates and new urban communities. He disclosed plans for free medical care for elderly residents aged 65 to 70.
Winners: Displaced traders, if the promises are kept. Non-indigenous communities, who gain recognition. PDP, which gains a campaign issue. Voters, who gain an alternative. Losers: The Enugu State Government, whose demolition policy is challenged. Tax collectors, who face abolition. The APC, which faces a stronger PDP campaign. Traders, if the promises are not kept. Taxpayers, if the plans are underfunded.
Bottom Line: Nnaji promised free shops and no more tax. The traders lost their livelihoods. The promises are bold. The election will decide whether they believe him. The record of politicians breaking promises is long. Nnaji must convince voters he is different.