By Anastasia Agunwa :
Traders in Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State, under the aegis of Matchet Dealers Association, Onitsha Main Market has protested alleged imposition of caretaker executive on the market by the Anambra State Government.
The traders, who marched to the secretariat of the market, popularly known as the White House, carried placards and chanted songs depicting their anger and displeasure over alleged imposition of caretaker on them.
Some of the placards read: “Matchet Line Traders Say No To Caretaker; We Have Elected Officers;” “No Line In Onitsha Market Has Caretaker; Matchet Line Cannot Be An Exception;” “Gov Soludo, Please, Help Us So That We Can Avert Trouble At The Matchet Line;” among other things.
Speaking during the protest, the Chairman of the Matchet Dealers Association, Mr. Emeka Anyanwo, said that he was democratically elected by the traders, who gave him the mandate to be their chairman.
He expressed surprise that few days ago, some individuals came to the market, and announced to the traders that Anambra government gave them the mandate to take over leadership of the market on caretaker capacity.
He insisted that the individuals allegedly mandated to administer the market as caretaker executive were not bonafide members of the market union.
Anyanwo posited that traders in the market would not succumb to any form of intimidation or imposition; and urged the Anambra government to retract their steps for the sake of peace.
Addressing the protesters, Central Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Mr. Innocent Ezeoha, commended the traders for their peaceful conduct.
He, however, advised them to put their petition in writing, and forward to him for onward submission to the governor’s office, and the Ministry of Trade and Commerce.
Also speaking, a member of the caretaker executive allegedly constituted for the market union, Mr. Eze Chukwuebuka told the protesters that he was rejecting membership of the committee; since, according to him, his permission was not sought before his name was enlisted as member.
