The traders of Ogbogwu market at Onitsha Bridge Head have called on the Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State and the Commissioner for Commerce, Market and Wealth Creation Chief Uchenna Okafor to as matter of urgency conduct election that will usher in a new executive administration in the market.
The traders under the aegis of Concerned Onitsha Drug Market Traders, told newsmen yesterday after the cancellation of the market election scheduled to hold Tuesday, February 2, 2022.
The chairman of the concerned traders, Chief Ifeanyi Obiekwe, said there was no reason whatsoever for cancellation of the election.
The Ministry through a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary conveyed to the leadership of the market, the decision of government to stop the election at least to ensure a level playing ground for every contestant in the election.
Some groups in the market have petitioned the Commissioner alleging that the current chairman of the market, Chief Donatus Ajanma, has hijacked the process of the election to favour himself.
They also alleged among other things that Ajanma carefully selected electoral committee to favour himself in the election as well as influenced the Commissioner to make sure he is elected.
But Chief Obiekwe dismissed the entire allegation as mere fabrication by some unpopular people in the market who have visible stalls, saying that these allegation came up because of the election.
He said they were aware that in a free and fair election none of them can come near Ajanma and the only way to frustrate him was to make frivolous and unfounded allegations.
The chairman of Concerned Traders said these elements through these allegations wanted to find dubious ways to install themselves as the leaders of the market.
“But it is impossible. There is no way they can beat the candidature of Ajanma. He is popular in the market and has done a lot to improve the welfare of the traders,” he said.
Also speaking, the secretary of the concerned group, Mr. Linus Nweke, said they need an election in the market, having been led by Caretaker Committee for the past four years.
“We appeal to the Governor, Chief Willie Obiano to direct the Commissioner to immediately fix a fresh date within two weeks but if they fail, the traders woud have no option than to stage a protest against this attempt to foist the wish of minority on the entire trades of Drug Market,” he said.
