The traders at Bridgehead Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, have unanimously rejected the proposal by the Anambra State Government for them to resume trading on Mondays.
During a One Day Crusade organized by the Central Committee of the Market Evangelism, Chief Evaristus Uba, the Special Adviser to the Governor of Anambra State, tried to convince the traders to resume trading on Mondays, citing efforts to release the Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
However, the traders responded with shouts of no and expressed their discontent with the idea. They demanded the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government in order for them to end the sit-at-home protests.
Facing opposition from the traders, Chief Uba abandoned the proposal and warned them about the negative impact of continued sit-at-home protests on their businesses. He explained that if customers found alternative places to purchase goods at cheaper prices, they might not return.
During the event, Chinedu Nwoye, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chairman of Solution Solidarity Front (SSG), inaugurated the Bridgehead Market branch of the Solidarity Front. Nwoye also highlighted Governor Soludo’s accomplishments in the past two years, including road rehabilitation and free ante-natal care.
Chief Humphrey Anuna, the President General of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), announced that they aim to generate N10 billion in revenue for the state. This comes as the traders’ taxes and levies have increased from N12,200 to N30,000 per trader.
Chairman of Bridgehead Market, Chief Chinedu Ezekwike, expressed his happiness with the success of the crusade and the inauguration of the market’s SSG branch. He pledged his loyalty and the support of all traders to Governor Soludo in his policies and programs aimed at transforming Anambra State.