Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The government of Anambra State has confirmed the deregistration of Ajasa line as a Market following results of an investigation on the existence of the market.
Ajasa was on August 24, 2022, accorded recognition as market by the immediate past Commissioner, Anambra State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Dr Obinna Ngonadi.
The recognition letter read “Sequel to your application dated 3rd August, 2022 and having fulfilled all requirements from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, approval has been granted for the recognition of Ajasa Traders Association operating in Anambra State.
“By this recognition, you must ensure that all civil obiligations due to the State Government are fulfilled as when due.
“The recognition shall be deemed cancelled in the event of any noncompliance with any Government directives. Please note that we would be constituting a new caretaker committee who will oversee the affairs of the market until we conduct an election in March 2023.”
But on 25th September, 2023, a letter signed by the same Commissioner, under the heading, “Withdrawal of Recognition and Approval,” said they withdrew the recognition of the market following the outcome of their investigation and finding on their existence.
It read: “The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has withdrawn the approval/recognition issued to your Association with immediate effect. After a thorough investigation and available documents, Ajasa is part and parcel of Ose Okwudo Onitsha under zone 1 Odigbo. This memo supersedes and nullifies the recognition. Be guided accordingly.”
Also, a letter dated September 29, 2023, signed by Ms Lovelyn Ezeude, the legal adviser to the Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, confirmed this development while replying the police AIG zone 13, and DPO Central Police Station (Onistha), on October 4th, 2023, respectively.
When contacted, the Chairman of Ose-Okwodu Market, Chief Ikechukwu Umeanozie, said he had no jurisdiction to speak on the decision of the ministry because the ministry has the final say on markets in the State.
