Owerri indigenes are still in shock over the demolition of the ancestral Eke Ukwu Owerre market by the outgone administration of Rochas Okorocha.
This was revealed by the Chairman of the Interim Management Council, Owerri Municipal, Hon Ebere Chukwuemeka (ABJ) at the yam breaking ceremony of Owerri people which is a prelude to the annual Ori Owerre festival
He said the emergence of Emeka Ihedioha as Imo State Governor saved Owerre Nchi Ise people (Owerri municipal) from further annihilation by the past administration
He said God used Governor Emeka Ihedioha to save Owerri people from Okorocha’s hatred and onslaught.
He revealed that more humiliation were on the way of the people if Uche Nwosu, former Governor Rochas Okorocha had succeeded in taking over as Governor of Imo State
He said the Oru Owerre is the only cultural heritage that has bind Owerrin people together.
“Oru Owerre is our cultural heritage. We must make sure we protect those cultural heritage of Owerri people. That unique symbol of Owerri people must not be allowed to die. We must protect it” he sdaid
He expressed sadness that Owerri people have not celebrated the festival because of external influences and charged the people to eschew bitterness and rancour in order to move Owerri forward.
“Some Persons are benefiting from the ongoing disunity in Owerri and we are ready to stop it. The problem of Owerri people is a question of understanding and coming together as one people.
“We are brothers and sisters. Oru Owerri is a time of peace and we will use this year’s Oru Owerri festival to unite. It is unfortunate that in the past three years, we have not celebrated Oru Owerri and we are ready to push down or group that will be a stumbling block to the ongoing unity and peace.