By Kelechi Achukwu-Jide
The Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has assured that votes cast at polling units located within markets will be adequately protected during the forthcoming elections.
The ASMATA President-General, Chief Humphrey Anuna, gave the assurance on Aug. 22 at a gathering of traders and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidates, organised to demonstrate solidarity with the party ahead of the elections.
Anuna said traders who remained in the markets during the elections would ensure that votes cast at the polling units were properly counted and protected throughout the electoral process.
He said traders who travelled to their hometowns during previous elections often left market polling units without adequate monitoring, thereby creating an opportunity for opponents to gain an advantage.
The ASMATA president-general urged traders to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), identify their polling units and actively monitor the voting and counting processes.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Mr Chijioke Okpalaugo, said the gathering was important as it provided an opportunity for traders to interact with political candidates.
He noted that many Igbo people were predominantly engaged in trading and therefore required an enabling environment to conduct their businesses.
Okpalaugo stressed that meaningful business activities could not thrive without security, commending Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his commitment to the welfare and security of traders.
He said traders had turned out in large numbers to appreciate the governor and demonstrate their support for APGA candidates contesting various elective positions in the state.
Meanwhile, Chairman of ASMATA Onitsha North Zone, Mr Eric Uwaoma, raised concerns over the relationship between plaza owners and market leaders.
Uwaoma sought clarification on whether traders and market leaders should remain subject to the authority and rules of landlords or operate under the regulatory framework of the state government.
He urged the government to clarify the matter to prevent conflicts between plaza owners, traders and market leaders.
A major highlight of the gathering was a raffle draw, in which 50 traders and guests emerged as winners, with each receiving ₦5,000.
Kelechi Achukwu-Jide is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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