NORTHERN GROUP WITHDRAWS 14-DAY VACATION ULTIMATUM TO IGBOS IN THE NORTH

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

The Northern Consensus Movement (NCM) an amalgamation of community based socio-cultural and economically inclined northern organizations, has withdrawn a fourteen-day ultimatum issued Igbos resident in the North to vacate.

The President of the Group, Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, made this known when he led the leadership of the Umuchieze cattle dealers to a meeting convened at the instance of Governor Alex Otti.

Abia State Government had directed the cattle traders at Lokpanta to rent accommodation else where rather than making the market their residence, a decision that did not go down well with the traders.

Comrade Aliyu explained that they decided to cancel the quit notice having realized that there was no tribal sentiment attached to the Abia State government’s decision on the market.

According to Comrade Aliyu, Governor Otti has good intention for the cattle traders and noted that it was contrary to earlier circulated allegations that he had asked northern residents in Abia State to leave.

He commended the Governor for agreeing to assist the vulnerable members of the northern community in the market to rent accommodation outside the market as well as to hold periodic meetings with them on issues concerning their wellbeing.

Responding, Governor Otti reiterated state government’s resolve to make Umuchieze Cattle Market a daily one to end all forms atrocities going on in the market.

The Governor, who described himself as a detribalized Nigerian, said he would not segregate against any group.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU