Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has approved the extension of the ultimatum earlier issued traders to vacate the Isi Gate, in Umuahia.
A statement obtained by Igbere TV on Tuesday issued by Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, Commissioner for Information, said the extension followed an appeal by the protesting traders.
Igbere TV had reported that Isi Gate traders on Tuesday stormed the Government House in Umuahia, over alleged plans by the state government to take over the popular market.
According to him, “The Governor has approved the extension of the ultimatum for them to relocate till 31st December, 2019.”
The statement however directed the traders to “ensure that the sanitary condition of the area is good, maintain security, do not obstruct free flow of traffic and they are not to impede beautification work planned for the area.”
“By this notice, all traders are expected to voluntarily leave the Isi Gate area before close of business on the 31st of December 2019 as anyone found there will be dealt with according to the law”, Okiyi-Kalu added.
