The contractor handling the Ariaria International Market A-Line Phase 2 remodelling, CHECKBEST International Limited, has dismissed as false and misleading the allegations raised by protesting traders at the Aba North Local Government Headquarters.
In a press statement on Friday, the company’s Public Relations Officer described the protest as the handiwork of “mischief makers trapped in old politics,” stressing that Governor Alex Otti’s administration is committed to transparency and inclusive development.
CHECKBEST clarified that the project was duly approved by Governor Otti and is being executed under a Tripartite Committee involving the state government, market leadership, and the developer. It maintained that no trader would lose their shop, noting that 400 fitted shops have already been provided as relocation space to ensure business continuity during the phased construction.
The company further explained that the remodeling is being carried out under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with banks lined up to provide soft loans to traders to ease the process. It also debunked claims that 10,000 shops were affected, citing verified government records showing far fewer.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Ariaria Chapter, had on Thursday staged a peaceful protest, accusing CHECKBEST of deception, fraudulent sale of shop forms, and lack of genuine consultation. The traders reaffirmed their confidence in Governor Otti but demanded a trader-led remodeling plan under government supervision.
Responding to the protesters, Aba North Chairman, Hon. Timothy Kalu Iheke, praised them for their peaceful conduct and assured that their grievances would be conveyed to the governor for review.
The remodeling, according to CHECKBEST, remains part of Governor Otti’s vision for a modern, world-class Ariaria Market that prioritizes the welfare of traders.
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