The Abia State Government has denied rumours of any plans to relocate Ariaria International Market, Aba.

The State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who denied the rumours, reassured the Aba business community that he has no such plans to relocate the famous market. Instead, he said he was working towards making the largest market in the commercial city an all-season market.

Ikpeazu spoke at a thanksgiving Mass in his honour by the Catholic Diocese of Aba, in conjunction with Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association (ALPADA), at the Christ the King (CKC) Catholic Cathedral, Aba.

He disclosed that efforts by his government to control flood in the market were ongoing, warning that any structures which obstruct the exercise would be pulled down.

He announced that Setraco Nig. Ltd would soon commence reconstruction of Faulks Road to check flooding, assuring that his administration would continue to build roads in Aba and other parts of the state.

The Governor informed the congregation that his administration has completed 27 out of 65 road projects started by it. He equally hinted that he was working towards reabsorbing into the state civil service, the outstanding staff disengaged by the government in the past, pointing out that his government has no room for discrimination as it was out to serve all.

Ikpeazu called for the support and prayers of the church and used the forum to donate N2m to widows in the church to help offset their rents.

Earlier, the Diocesan Administrator, very Reverend Anthony Ajuonu, had commended the Governor for his efforts in fixing decayed infrastructure that has been the bane of Aba and expressed hope that God would use him to liberate the people.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Chisom Nwankwo of St. Bennards Catholic Church, Ndiegoro, explained that love for another person was the secret which brings liberation.

Fr. Nwankwo also commended the Governor for his strides to reposition Aba and pledged to continue praying for him.

•Photo shows Governor Ikpeazu.

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