Toronto Junction Crisis, I Support Development , Not Politics.

 Toronto Junction Crisis: I Support Development, Not Politics.

By Cmr. Ugo Chima

Once again, the government of Imo State has been unfairly attacked for doing what every responsible administration must do, enforcing order and ensuring development. The recent incident at Toronto Junction, where officers of ENTRACO were assaulted while carrying out their lawful duty, is a sad reflection of how far some individuals will go to resist progress.

The truth is simple. That location is a government right-of-way, not a private marketplace. The government, under the leadership of Owerri North Council, has already built a modern, well-structured market nearby for all legitimate traders. The aim is not to destroy anyone’s business but to restore order, beautify the environment, and ensure safety along the busy road corridor. Yet, instead of appreciating this initiative, some individuals who benefit from the illegal market chose to hire thugs and resist relocation, all in a bid to continue exploiting poor traders for personal gain.

What’s even more disappointing is how certain members of the opposition have turned this unfortunate situation into a political show. Rather than encouraging the people to comply with lawful directives, they’re busy inciting anger and tension, hoping to score cheap political points. That’s not leadership that’s sabotage. A responsible opposition should engage the government with facts and ideas, not by stirring up conflict or supporting lawlessness.

We must remember that development requires discipline. Every major city in Nigeria had to go through relocation and restructuring to become what they are today. So why should Imo be different? The people of Toronto Junction must understand that the government is not their enemy. The relocation order is meant to protect their lives, businesses, and environment, not to harm them. Those who continue to resist are simply standing in the way of progress.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration has consistently shown vision, courage, and compassion building model markets, improving roads, and ensuring cleanliness through agencies like #ENTRACO. These are the marks of a leader who truly cares about the future of his people. The violence against ENTRACO officials is not just an attack on a government agency, it’s an attack on Imo’s collective progress, and it must be condemned by all well-meaning citizens.

At Show Us The Man, we applaud the Uzodimma administration for standing firm in its mission to restore order and cleanliness in Imo. We call on the great people of Toronto Junction to embrace change, move to the approved market, and support this vision of a modern Imo State. True progress cannot coexist with disorder, and Imo deserves better than politics of distraction.