- Makes passionate plea for C-River Govt assistance
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Still smarting from the pains of losing their sources of livelihood in the recent Watt Market fire incident, the Calabar Traders Association (CATA) has called for immediate intervention of the Cross River State government to assist the victims and cushion their suffering.
Accordingly, the Association has joined public-spirited individuals and organisations in soliciting assistance to rehabilitate those affected by the inferno that destroyed goods and property estimated at over one billion Naira.
The President of CATA, Asukwo Ita Esq made the passionate appeal to the government during a sympathy visit to the victims in Calabar, the Cross River state capital on Wednesday.
Ita said it was unfortunate that the traders suffered such colossal damage at a time when everyone is struggling to cope with the current harsh economic realities in the country.
He said the government’s kind gesture at these trying times would go a long way to help the Traders recover from the trauma occasioned by the fire incident and rebuild their lives.
The CATA President encouraged the victims not to lose hope, assuring them that the Association is already exploring ways of ensuring that the government responds positively to their plight.
He noted that as an association, comprising over 20 various market groups in Calabar, an injury to any of them is always seen as injury to all of them.
Also, Ita said CATA, as a registered body, is always ready to promote the welfare of its members, adding that in times of distress, as experienced by the fire victims, the association would not fold its arms and watch them suffocate in their plight.
Responding on behalf of the Eyo Edem/Hewett axis of Watt Market fire victims, a Trustee of CATA, Hon Mazi Okey Madukwe appreciated the state government for the concern shown in addressing their plight.
He however said it is imperative and urgent to have elected political officeholders also demonstrating kind gestures and goodwill towards those affected by the unfortunate fire incident.
