03/10/2026
CINY HAILS MAYOR CHRIS ONYEKACHI SIMON OVER EKE MARKET INTERVENTION
“Those Who Owned Shops Before Demolition Will Get Their Shops or Compensation” — Mayor
IGBO-EZE NORTH, ENUGU STATE — October 3, 2026
The Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youths (CINY) has commended the Executive Chairman of Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, Hon. Chris Onyekachi Simon, for what it described as a timely and proactive intervention in the lingering controversy surrounding shop ownership at Eke Market.
The intervention followed concerns raised by residents and former shop owners over the status of shops at the market following its demolition and subsequent restructuring.
Speaking on the matter on October 2, 2026, Hon. Chris Onyekachi Simon disclosed that his administration had received over 200 complaints from people who claimed that their shops at Eke Market had been taken over.
According to the Mayor, the complaints came from both elderly residents and young people who claimed to have owned shops at the market before its demolition.
The Mayor announced that work relating to the disputed shop allocations would be put on hold pending a proper review of the situation.
He further stated that people who genuinely owned shops at the market before the demolition would either get their shops back or receive compensation, depending on the circumstances.
CINY: THIS IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Reacting to the development, Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youths described the decision as an important step towards addressing the grievances of residents who have been seeking answers over the fate of their properties.
CINY recalled that during the tenure of the immediate past administration under Hon. Uchenna Ogalla, Eke Market was demolished and subsequently taken over for redevelopment. The youth group noted that concerns have since been raised by some former shop owners who say they were neither allocated replacement shops nor adequately addressed concerning compensation.
CINY stressed that the claims of affected individuals should be subjected to proper verification, documentation and due process.
The group particularly welcomed the decision of the new administration to pause the disputed allocations and listen to the complaints of affected residents.
“LET THE PEOPLE BE HEARD” — CINY
According to CINY, leadership should not only be about initiating new projects but also about confronting unresolved issues that directly affect the people.
The organisation urged the Mayor to ensure that the review process is transparent, impartial and properly documented, so that genuine former shop owners can be identified and treated fairly.
CINY also called on all persons claiming ownership of shops at the old Eke Market to come forward with genuine documents and evidence to support their claims.
The group warned against political interference, manipulation or fraudulent claims that could undermine the process.
A NEW APPROACH TO GOVERNANCE?
CINY noted that Hon. Chris Onyekachi Simon’s decision to address the Eke Market controversy at the early stage of his administration could signal a willingness to confront difficult issues inherited from the previous administration.
The organisation therefore encouraged the Mayor to follow through on his declaration and ensure that the final outcome of the review is based on facts, records, justice and the applicable laws.
CINY further appealed to traders, elders, youths and other stakeholders to remain peaceful and allow the verification process to take place without intimidation or confrontation.
CINY’S MESSAGE TO THE MAYOR
The Concerned Igbo-Eze North Youths commended Hon. Chris Onyekachi Simon for listening to the complaints of residents and urged him to ensure that his administration’s promise concerning Eke Market translates into a fair, transparent and credible resolution.
For CINY, the issue is bigger than individual shops.
It is about trust, fairness, accountability and the protection of the legitimate interests of the people of Igbo-Eze North.
“When government listens to the people, trust is strengthened. When justice is done, communities move forward.”
— CONCERNED IGBO-EZE NORTH YOUTHS (CINY)
Media & Publicity Unit
October 3, 2026
