Ohanaeze appeals to Soludo over reopening of Onitsha main market

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has appealed to the Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, to consider the reopening of the Onitsha Main Market, citing the economic hardship being faced by traders and their families. The President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azuta-Mbata, made the appeal in a statement issued on behalf of the National Executive Committee of the organisation and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu.

While acknowledging the state government’s intentions in maintaining order and ensuring long-term development, Ohanaeze urged the governor to take into account the immediate economic realities confronting thousands of residents who depend on the market for survival.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo fully understands the genuine concerns and good intentions of the Anambra State Government in taking decisions aimed at ensuring order, safety and sustainable development.

“However, we wish to draw the attention of His Excellency to the severe economic challenges currently confronting many traders and families whose livelihoods depend almost entirely on the daily activities of the Onitsha Main Market.

“A timely intervention through the reopening of the market would go a long way in easing the burden on the people, particularly in these difficult economic times,” the statement read.

The organisation commended Governor Soludo for what it described as his purposeful leadership and on-going efforts to transform Anambra State, while urging him to adopt dialogue as a pathway to resolving the issue.

“We sincerely commend Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for his purposeful leadership and the commendable efforts of his administration in driving development across Anambra State.

“In the spirit of inclusive governance, we respectfully request His Excellency to engage market leaders and other relevant stakeholders through constructive dialogue, with a view to reaching an amicable resolution that will serve the overall interest of the government and the people,” they said.

Ohanaeze expressed confidence in the governor’s commitment to the welfare of Ndi Anambra and reaffirmed its readiness to support initiatives that promote peace, progress and development in the state.