No fewer than 200 traders, whose shops and goods were destroyed by an inferno that engulfed the fruit and vegetable market in Port Harcourt, were on Saturday compensated by the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike.
Wike also on the same day was joined by the Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, to lay the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the burnt section of the market.
The governor had presented bank drafts of N400,000 to each of the affected traders while traders who operated attached shops got N300,000 each as compensation.
Wike said, "Today, government will compensate you, so that you can pick up your lives. We have the bank drafts because we don't want you to be targeted by criminals. Go to the banks, open accounts and expand your business."
He charged the contractors to ensure that the market was completed within the next three months.
"We have paid 60 per cent of the contract sum. So, this market must be completed in three months. We have the funds to complete the market in record time.
"We are building a bigger and more beautiful market. All the affected traders must have their shops back before the remaining shops are allocated to others," the governor said.
Wike, who said governance was about trust and keeping to promises, said his predecessor, Rotimi Amaechi, failed to keep his promise to rebuild the Mile One Market, which was gutted by fire during his administration.
He said Wike had proved to be a lover of his people with the various developmental projects which he kept churning out.
According to Umahi, while others were thinking of the next election, Wike was working on newer projects for his people.
"Wike has continued to plan projects for his people. He is building up treasure for himself in heaven and touching the lives of his people.
"You may not understand what Wike is doing until you visit other states. In Rivers State, the people are filled with gratitude for the good works," Umahi said.
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