Polycarp Ifeanyi, Awka
Traders in Anambra State, have faulted the recent decision of Anambra State Government to nullify elections that ushered in market leaders in the state.
The state Government had in a statement by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, announced the dissolution of the Caretaker Committees of 30 Markets.
It also constituted new ones to replace two other Market leaderships with alleged flawed elections.
However, the traders who expressed their displeasure in an interview with Ikengaonline, said they were disappointed at the decision of the Soludo-led administration.
Speaking to our reporter, a trader in Ogbaru, Elder Emma Ugwuowele, urged the state government to have a rethink on it’s decision to avert causing crisis in markets in the state.
“This decision is not proper because some of the markets are not in crisis to warrant nullification of their elections. How can Government start talking of caretaker in our market? We have been experiencing peace and tranquility since the administration of Mr. Ndubuisi Ochiogu, our elected leader and we cannot afford to go back to Egypt again.”
In the same vein, Mr. Anthony Nwaele, a food stuff dealer; and Okey Udo of Building Materials Market, Ogbunike; accused oppositions in the markets who failed elections as the brain behind the State Government’s action.
“We believe that the recent government decision was instigated by those who want to rule our Market by force. The Governor should come into our Market and verify facts and know if there are crises in the markets to warrant installation of new caretaker committees.
“Professor Soludo cannot compensate us this way. We even expected him to come for thank-you visit in our markets because we worked for his victory as the State Governor during the election,” Nwaele said.
Another trader, Mr Remigius Ikopuka, a drug merchant noted that the umbrella body of Anambra State Market ( ASMATA), which was instituted by the State Government conducted the election in his market.
He contended that “Government cannot contradict itself by coming up with a policy to nullify the same election without investigating its outcome.”
A market leader who did not want his name published faulted the removal of Mr. Ndubuisi Ochiogu of the Ogbaru Market stating, that he does not deserve such treatment from the State Government.
“We are all human beings. Ndubuisi Ochiogu is doing well. The young man is doing well as the elected Chairman and also does his best in serving government. He should not deserve such treatment and traders are not happy.”
In separate interviews Comrade Ossy Nwannadi, Mr Umeidodo Raphael, and Mr Everest Igaa pleaded with the State Government to make a u-turn in their decision and retain the elected leaders.
They stated that they were comfortable with their leaders, noting that there was no crisis in the markets to warrant the nullification of the election in their markets.
