By Obianuju Azukaego
The Board of Trustees, Patrons, and Line Chairmen of Ogbaru Main Market, popularly known as Relief Market, Onitsha, have appealed to the Anambra State Government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, not to heed calls for the appointment of a caretaker committee to run the affairs of the market.
Speaking during a press briefing held in the market on May 19, the Chairman of all Chairmen, Chief Chinyereugo Nwammaduka, said traders preferred a democratic election through which market leaders would emerge, in order to sustain the peace, unity, and progress currently enjoyed in the market.
He alleged that those calling for the appointment of a caretaker committee were individuals whose illegal activities had been curtailed by Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu’s present administration.
“Any trader who feels dissatisfied with Chief Ochiogu’s leadership should come out and contest in an election,” he said.
Chief Nwammaduka also commended Governor Soludo for his people-oriented leadership, adding that genuine traders in the market were more interested in peace and stability than unnecessary petitions and conflicts.
According to him, many illegal activities and crises that previously plagued the market were brought under control after Chief Ochiogu assumed office as chairman.
Chief Nwammaduka stressed that conducting an election remained the best democratic option for traders, warning against the imposition of a caretaker committee.
“If anyone believes he is qualified, let him come out and contest. Whoever wins becomes our leader instead of calling on the government to impose a caretaker committee,” he added.
Also speaking, the Sectional Chairman, Mr. Emma Nwadibie, highlighted several achievements of the present administration, including the eradication of theft, fake beverage production, illegal revenue collection, and persistent crises within the market.
He added that Chief Ochiogu’s leadership had ensured steady electricity supply, payment of an electricity debt reportedly amounting to N11 million, construction of toilets, provision of fire extinguishers across market lines, drilling of boreholes, and regular clearing of drainage channels.
The Board of Trustees, Patrons, and Line Chairmen noted that the market had witnessed remarkable peace, transparency, and development under the current leadership.
Obianuju is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
