Metro
New Face Of Ikoku Auto-Parts Market: The Pains, Gains
As one approaches the popular Ikoku junction by Azikiwe Street in Mile Two Diobu, the new flyover crisscrosses the eyes. But underneath the new flyover still under construction are pockets of people standing on both sides of the road seeking for brisk business- they are the motor spare parts dealers.
Since after they were relocated from their stores and shops sometime last year, the motor and spare parts dealers at Ikoku area are now common sights around the area, as they hang along the road waiting for customers.
They cluster in pockets of five to 10 persons, chatting and sprinting to meet any upcoming vehicle near the adjoining streets of Adelabu, Emole, Okereke, Nwachukwu up to Echue Streets along Ikwerre Road.
One of the motor spare parts dealers, Chibuzor Isaac told The Metro Tide that since after they were removed from their former area at Ikoku, many of them have resorted to survival tactics of standing along the road to wait for customers.
Isaac said, “It has not been easy with business since we were given quit notice. Many of our customers could not locate us again, so we hang on the road to survive.”
He narrated the ordeal of many of his fellow motor spare parts dealers, “Sometimes you stay here all through without a customer”.
In the wake of the urban renewal plans and acquisition of some buildings by investors along the Ikoku area, most of the spare parts dealers lost their goods.\
Isaac said, “Some had to send their families back to the village as a way of survival”.
The Tide Metro learnt that the old buildings acquired by investors were owned by different families and hence, many of the spare parts dealers who had paid rent for shops had to look for new places to get shops, unfortunately, it did not take long when the final quit notice was given by the State Government as the State Executive Council gave approval for a new flyover at the area.
Kingsley Amadi, who was affected by the relocation told The Metro Tide that it was difficult to find his feet initially.” Ikoku has been the heart of motor spare parts business for almost 50 years, “he said.
Amadi said he now hangs in other shops since he could not afford money to rent a new shop. For him, squatting with another businessman is not easy, “As I talk to you now, my goods are scattered. It is difficult to get daily bread and to send money home to my wife and children “.
He disclosed that many of them have to do joint renting of shops to keep business afloat.
The experience of Onyekachi Nnabugwo is quite interesting. He told Metro Tide that he moved thrice. “Initially when our landlord sold his property, I had to look for another shop in Azikiwe. While at Azikiwe for three months, we were asked to leave for the new flyover and the shop was marked for demolition.”
Nnabugwo now stays in one small plaza in School Road, few metres from Azikiwe Street. “I am trying to balance,” he said smiling, but all thanks to God”.
Nnabugwo lamented that he had lost many of his customers, “Many of them do not know I am here, and I do not have their contacts.”
Just few shops from Nnabugwo’s is another popular gear box and motor parts dealer, whose name is Friday Phillip, (aka Fryo). His shop which serves as a workshop is busier than most others.
He said, “We never believed that things will be like this, but we thank God we are surviving.”
Phillip said the relocation “brought some good sides as well, Yes, many of us lost customers, we have also gained customers.”
He urged his fellow motor spare parts dealers to keep on persisting, “ we all need to cope,” he advised.
At Owhonda Street, off School Road, business seems to be moving for the generator and spare parts dealers and repairs. One of such is Okereke Daniel, who said “here is congested because many of our brothers from Ikoku came to join us here”.
Since Ikoku Spare Parts Market was removed, the adjoining streets from Ohonda, Ihute, Odunze and Dickson Streets are much busier and congested.
The axis stretching to Mile 3 area is now a beehive of activities. According to Okereke, shop rents have gone up. “Before the demolition, you can rent a shop for N100,000, but now it is from N200, 000.”
As shop owners make brisk money from the relocation, many spare parts dealers have relocated as far as Ada George, Aba Road while some have moved into streets in Mile 2, Diobu.
“The new trend now in order to survive is through phone,” said Okereke. You have to build new customers by keeping their contacts. I will urge my fellow businessmen to learn to survive.”
Nnabugwo is also optimistic,” there is no need of giving up, a man can fall seven times and also rise seven times”.
The motor spare parts dealer urged government to provide a permanent site for them, so as to reduce their hardship.
One elderly spare parts dealer, who begged not to be mentioned, insisted that one way to reduce their pains is to provide them a permanent site; “We thought government will give us a place to relocate to, but till now nothing is being done”.
Even amid the pains, new businesses are sprouting up: restaurants, drinking bars and bet shops are exploiting the situation.
Moving from Azikiwe to Ikoku is now smooth as the new flyover is gradually taking shape to remove the once bottlenecks that spare parts dealers were known to cause traffic jams.
It is believed that once the bridge is completed, life and business will take a strong footing within the popular motor spare parts district of Port Harcourt.
By: Kevin Nengia
Members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State shut down traffic along the Aba Road through Azikiwe Road to Government House Drive recently in a solidarity visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Apostle Clifford Paul, told the governor that they were on a Thank-You Rally to show appreciation for his love for the workers.
Apostle Paul stated that Governor Fubara has changed their fortunes and restored hope in them when he directed the payment of N30,000.00 minimum wage to the workers, and lifted the ban on promotion, which has now placed them at par with their counterparts across the country.
On his part, the Deputy General Secretary of NULGE, Comrade Ajewole Ayedele, who represented the National President, said they were delighted with the pro-people policies of Governor Fubara, particularly for ending the stagnancy and frustration workers suffered.
Comrade Ayedele assured the governor of the continued support of the union to his administration, both at state and national level.
“At our last NEC meeting, when he (State Chairman) was reporting to us that you have done series of things to local government staff, because from history, Rivers State has been a source of mockery to other states in Nigeria when it comes to welfare of local government staff.
“When he said it, somebody from the north said, that means this new governor has tried to part ways from what he met on ground, because we have been asking how on earth is it possible that workers will be on duty for eight years without promotion?
“But for your wisdom that you have done it for us, we too are going to reciprocate. And I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that anytime you call on us, we are going to come out enmasse to associate with you, to solidarise with you, to continue to pray for you, because of your commitment to our welfare and service,” the national officer added.
On his part, the Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Alex Agwanwor, said workers have resolved to stand with Governor Fubara because he has demonstrated his love, put smiles on their faces and advanced the welfare and growth of the State.
Comrade Agwanwor warned that the NLC would not hesitate to occupy anywhere used by the Rivers State House of Assembly members led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, should they begin another impeachment proceeding against the governor.
He noted that in addition, organised labour would be forced to withdraw their members working with the lawmakers if they decide to throw caution to the wind.
Governor Fubara, who had received members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State on a solidarity rally at Government House Gate, in Port Harcourt, on Wednesday, said their large number further goes to prove the nature of the organic support his administration has continued to enjoy from the people of the state.
“Some days ago, somebody said we are busy renting crowd for thanksgiving. But what I have seen here today, it’s not different from what is happening at those thanksgiving rallies. People are just appreciating God and good governance.”
Governor Fubara stated that he was mindful of the legacy he would bequeath after his tenure, adding: “It should also be about the lives that have been touched genuinely; about the policies implemented without any inducement to better the lives of the people and the society.”
The governor urged the people to continue to support his administration, show understanding over actions taken, and obey the rules in a peaceful manner.
“When you are doing what is right, I will stand by you. Nobody, whether full or half is going to intimidate you. Brace up, I say brace up, because the next step, it will be fire for fire in Rivers State. Everything will be implemented.”
Governor Fubara said that already, local government workers have started receiving N30,000.00 minimum wage with promotion to be implemented beginning from April’s salary payment.
He also promised to set in motion plans to finalise modalities for the implementation of the Consolidated Salary Scale for Grade Level 17, and regular payment of benefits to the local government service retirees.
“For our people, the great and wonderful people of Rivers State, we will continue to lead you with the fear of God.
“Maturity is not about age, maturity is in the person. It is what defines the character of a person. I choose not to respond to people that I assumed are matured, but are obviously immature in attitude.
“I will continue to be mature, not minding my age, but I will not for any reason allow myself or anybody who is working with me in this administration to be messed with, maltreated or abused in the cause of administering this governance,” the Governor said.
Kevin Nengia
Indigenes and residents of Azuabie-Okujagu communities in Port Harcourt Local Government Area of Rivers State, have made an appeal to the state government for infrastructure and urban renewal in their communities.
Speaking through Elder Tamunotonkaye Adolphus during a solidarity rally to Government House last Wednesday, they said they are ardent supporters of the Governor Fubara-led administration, and are very impressed with his performance in office, accomplishments and peaceful disposition.
Elder Adolphus explained that the people have fresh hope of government intervention in their communities because they were neglected by the immediate past administration, leaving their roads and public schools unattended to.
He expressed the belief that the Governor Fubara-led administration will come to their aid by rehabilitating the 10km internal roads and the two public schools in the communities.
Also speaking, the Rivers State gubernatorial candidate for Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the 2023 general election, Sir Victor Fingesi, expressed excitement with Governor Fubara’s avowed commitment to harnessing the agricultural potentials of the State.
He noted that it was the first time since 1999 that a Governor was so convinced and determined to change the narrative in the agriculture sector, which can contribute to making Rivers State become competitive economically.
He called for strategic investments in the agriculture sector to guarantee food sufficiency and security, and reduce the scourge of hunger in the land, adding that it was only through such avenue that enduring peace and development can be achieved.
Fingesi pledged total support to Governor Fubara and his administration, saying that he was ready to work with the government to take the State to the next level.
On his part, Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara said that he is willing to work with people of goodwill and progressive ideas for partnerships that will make life better for the people and ensure sustainable development of the State.
This is even as he acknowledged the unwavering support demonstrated by both indigenes and residents of Azuabie-Okujagu communities in Port Harcourt Local Government Area, who have become good ambassadors of his administration.
Governor Fubara made the remark while addressing a delegation of the leadership and members of Azuabie-Okujagu communities who were on a peaceful solidarity walk to Government House in Port Harcourt last Wednesday.
The Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr George Nwaeke, who received the delegation on behalf of the Governor noted that the people’s support was largely organic in nature, adding that it was evident that they were taking back what rightly belongs to them by genuinely supporting the government they all voted into power.
He said, “You are the people that voted him into power, and that is why you have the right also to say that these are the things you need.
“The Governor also recognise the contributions of your sons and daughters who have served the State in different ways. Your community is one of the greatest communities in the State because it has produced men that have contributed in no small measure to the growth of Rivers State,” he said.
Governor Fubara said: “I want to beg of you, as you go home, let every person here be an ambassador, everybody in your community. Tell them that the Governor means well for his people.
“Tell your people that their Governor is still sitting in the place they elected him to sit, and taking the right decisions. We know there could be people who may be tempted with money to be Judas. But tell them to shun money. Tell them that what matters at this time is the people, and the Governor is people-centred.”
Governor Fubara said he had listened and taken note of their requests concerning the state of public schools in their communities, among other issues that require attention.
He commended them, saying: “I want to even thank you that on your own, you made some community efforts to execute projects, whereas some people, when Government builds schools, they go and steal the things used in building the schools and destroy the schools.
“In your case, you used your own money to build some classrooms in your communities. The Governor will be very happy to hear this and your communities will be supported.
“I want to make one assurance to you: We have received your protest letter, we will not talk about them here, because already, the Governor is thinking along those lines.
“The Governor is thinking about making sure that our people live in a comfortable environment. I can assure you that your communities will receive maximum support,” he assured.
Kevin Nengia
Members of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State shut down traffic along the Aba Road through Azikiwe to Government House Drive on Wednesday in a solidarity visit to Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Addressing the mammoth crowd, the Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Apostle Clifford Paul, told the governor that they were on a Thank-You Rally to show appreciation for his love for the workers.
Apostle Paul stated that Governor Fubara has changed their fortunes and restored hope in them when he directed the payment of N30,000.00 minimum wage to the workers, and lifted the ban on promotion, which has now placed them at par with their counterparts across the country.
On his part, the Deputy General Secretary of NULGE, Comrade Ajewole Ayedele, who represented the National President, said they were delighted with the pro-people policies of Governor Fubara, particularly for ending the stagnancy and frustration workers suffered.
Comrade Ayedele assured the governor of the continued support of the union to his administration, both at state and national level.
“At our last NEC meeting, when he (State Chairman) was reporting to us that you have done series of things to local government staff, because from history, Rivers State has been a source of mockery to other states in Nigeria when it comes to welfare of local government staff.
“When he said it, somebody from the north said, that means this new governor has tried to part ways from what he met on ground, because we have been asking how on earth is it possible that workers will be on duty for eight years without promotion?
“But for your wisdom that you have done it for us, we too are going to reciprocate. And I want to assure you, Your Excellency, that anytime you call on us, we are going to come out enmasse to associate with you, to solidarise with you, to continue to pray for you, because of your commitment to our welfare and service,” the national officer added.
On his part, the Rivers State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Alex Agwanwor, said workers have resolved to stand with Governor Fubara because he has demonstrated his love, put smiles on their faces and advanced the welfare and growth of the State.
Comrade Agwanwor warned that the NLC would not hesitate to occupy anywhere used by the Rivers State House of Assembly members led by Rt. Hon. Martin Amaewhule, should they begin another impeachment proceeding against the governor.
He noted that in addition, organised labour would be forced to withdraw their members working with the lawmakers if they decide to throw caution to the wind.
Governor Fubara, who had received members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) from the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State on a solidarity rally at Government House Gate, in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, said their large number further goes to prove the nature of the organic support his administration has continued to enjoy from the people of the state.
“Some days ago, somebody said we are busy renting crowd for thanksgiving. But what I have seen here today, it’s not different from what is happening at those thanksgiving rallies. People are just appreciating God and good governance.”
Governor Fubara stated that he was mindful of the legacy he would bequeath after his tenure, adding: “It should also be about the lives that have been touched genuinely; about the policies implemented without any inducement to better the lives of the people and the society.”
The governor urged the people to continue to support his administration, show understanding over actions taken, and obey the rules in a peaceful manner.
“When you are doing what is right, I will stand by you. Nobody, whether full or half is going to intimidate you. Brace up, I say brace up, because the next step, it will be fire for fire in Rivers State. Everything will be implemented.”
Governor Fubara said that already, local government workers have started receiving N30,000.00 minimum wage with promotion to be implemented beginning from April’s salary payment.
He also promised to set in motion plans to finalise modalities for the implementation of the Consolidated Salary Scale for Grade Level 17, and regular payment of benefits to the local government service retirees.
“For our people, the great and wonderful people of Rivers State, we will continue to lead you with the fear of God.
“Maturity is not about age, maturity is in the person. It is what defines the character of a person. I choose not to respond to people that I assumed are matured, but are obviously immature in attitude.
“I will continue to be mature, not minding my age, but I will not for any reason allow myself or anybody who is working with me in this administration to be messed with, maltreated or abused in the cause of administering this governance,” the Governor said.
Kevin Nengia
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