Anambra Traders Celebrate Ojukwu’s Posthumous Birthday
A heavy downpour Saturday, almost marred the posthumous celebration of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumagwu Ojukwu birthday and endorsement of Governor Willie Obiano by the traders in Anambra State.
The Anambra traders under the umbrella of Anambra Markets Amalgamated Traders Association, AMATAS, had directed all markets in the State to close in solidarity with the traders for the twin occasion which was held at Chuba Ikpazu Stadium Onitsha.
However, apart from the heavy rain, a group under the aegis National Association of Nigerian Traders, Anambra State branch had engaged in counter announcement in some private radio stations in the state, urging the traders to go to their markets and do their normal business, claiming that AMATAS has no power to close the market for their alleged selfish ends, also had a negative effect to the two occasions.
The opposition traders in a statement by one Egbuna and signed by various markets members in the state alleged that AMATAS deceived the people by claiming to celebrate Ojukwus birthday when the real intention was to endorse Governor Obiano without carrying the markets in the state along in their decision, a claim the leadership of AMATAS dismissed by saying that the group is nonexistent in the state.
However, Governor Willie Obiano and wife of the late Ikemba Nnewi and former Biafra warlord, Dim Odumegwu Ojukwu, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu thanked the traders for celebrating the late Igbo leader even many years after his demise.
The elated late Ikemba’s wife, Bianca was seen beaming with smile, while the ceremony lasted and when it was her turn to speak she said that she was overwhelmed by the traders turnout and their commitment to issues concerning her late beloved husband.
She thanked the traders for supporting Governor Obian who she said is ensuring that the light of the party, All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, which her late husband was its former leader did not go off, adding that they should continue to support him until victory is achieved in the forth coming governorship election in the state. Governor Obiano promised the traders that he will give each of the market another N10 million naira for the chose your project like he has given the communities in the state, just as he promised that he will restructure all the major markets and modernize them modern facilities and access roads in such a way that vehicles, tricycles and motorcycles can drive into the markets to load and off load goods in the markets.
He said that he will step up security in the state and in the markets to ensure that the traders and their produce are protected, while he will ensure that all the obstacles to buying and selling in the states are addressed to ensure that traders and businessmen do their business without complain “I will redouble my efforts in providing dividends of democracy in the state, I will ensure that the level of security we have achieved is sustained and improved upon, Anambra State under my watch will continue to be the safest state in the country.
The Anambra traders through the leadership of ASMATA said that they decided to endorse Governor Obiano because of some achievements like optimum security he has achieved in the state, agricultural revolution in the state, increased road network, vigorous road maintenance and sound education system in the state under his administration.
President of AMATAS, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, appealed to Governor Obiano to continue to pay workers salaries so that the traders in the state can sell their goods and the economy of the state will continue to be vibrant for the benefit of all and sundry.
The traders also said that the Governor has achieved a vibrant health sector, community infrastructural projects, signed various memorandum of understanding with foreign partners Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, ANSIPPA.
The traders though the Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Victor Ewuzie moved the motion for the endorsement of Governor Obiano for second tenure, while the Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market Chief Chidozie Okeke seconded the motion for the Governors endorsement by the traders in Anambra state.
