Reports of a much expected demolition of illegal structures in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia state has been greeted with extreme repugnance.

With Governor Okezie Ikpeazu stating his intent on Thursday, June 18 to commence the demolition of illegal structures in old ancient city after 7 days, traders in the town have described the governor move as an act to witch-hunt the people for rejecting his candidacy.

Known as God’s own state, Abia state has been plagued with series of flood in recent times. In 2013, 39 121 people in 8 409 households of 14 local government areas, including 19 000 hectares of farmlands, were affected by flood.

Aba on its own has suffered from perennial flooding due to its table landscape according to experts who have severally recommended demolition of structures obstructing water channels.

But no administration in the state seemed to have mustered the political will-power to do the needful which according to a government source will affect over 100,000 buildings.

Ikpeazu, who is the first Abia Governor of Aba-Ngwa extraction, appears set to demolish the illegal structures.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Godwin Adindu, the governor called on members of the public whose structures were illegally sited to dismantle them or have them demolished by government task force.

The statement read in part: “The Government of Abia State is, by this notice, informing all property owners in the Aba metropolis and the general public that, in line with the government’s commitment towards the rebuilding of the city of Aba, which  necessitated the establishment of the Aba Urban Renewal Office, the agencies of government will commence a demolition exercise of all structures, property, stalls and shop which encroach  into the road, seven days from this announcement.

“The properties to be demolished include, but not limited to, buildings on service lanes, illegal shops, illegal fences and such other structures that constitute a blockade to the free flow of traffic and drainage.

“You cannot make omelet without breaking eggs. If we must have the Aba city of our dream, we must be ready to make the utmost sacrifice.

“Government therefore call on all concerned to take appropriate measures before the arrival of the bulldozers.”

Aba Town in the South East geo-political zone of Nigeria, came into world news in the colonial days of 1929 when women revolted over imposition of taxes among other unfavorable policies. Since this historic event, Aba has been basking on the euphoria, dwelling and growing with the can-do spirit, having the will and strength of an elephant in accomplishing tasks no matter how daunting.

Little wonder the fond name, Enyimba. Aba can easily gather to challenge any action against their interest and comfort. Equally, they can quickly assemble to promote or support good gestures. It is on record that Aba business and bureaucratic elites made the highest monetary contributions to the then Abia State Movement, which midwifed the birth of God’s Own State. Aba is as resilient as a stallion and strong as a bull.

However as it stands today, 1800 houses are built without authority on the drainage channel ensconcing environmental hazards. This has been attributed to increase in incessant flooding in the town and across Abia state.

Perhaps it’s in line with this that Governor Ikpeazu has taken the bold step to rebuild the old ancient city.

But the question is; What does this move by Governor Ikpeazu denotes, a move for rehabilitation or a move for anguish? Aba certainly needs to be saved from this incessant flood.