Anambra Traders Demand Action from Governor Soludo Amid Four-Year Leadership Void in Odera Market

Traders at the Odera Market in Awka, Anambra State, have lodged a formal petition to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, decrying the prolonged absence of leadership spanning four years. The petition, directed to the State Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, highlights the urgent need for either a Caretaker Committee or the establishment of a fixed date for democratic elections.

The traders voiced their frustration over the prolonged vacuum in market leadership, which has persisted since the expiration of Emmanuel Nwonwu’s chairmanship tenure in February 2020. Signed by prominent figures including Ozo Chinweze Ijomah and Hon. Humphrey Onuorah, the petition underscores concerns over the alleged diversion of market funds and the usurpation of the chairmanship office.

Expressing grave concerns over the deteriorating security situation within the market premises, the stakeholders emphasize the imperative for swift government intervention. They call upon the Soludo administration to promptly address the leadership void by appointing a Caretaker Committee to oversee affairs for an initial period of three months. Alternatively, they advocate for the scheduling of democratic elections to facilitate the emergence of a new executive body for Odera Market.

The petition also highlights the exploitation of the leadership vacuum by certain individuals to perpetuate themselves in power, engaging in illicit activities such as extortion, illegal construction, and misappropriation of market funds.

In response to these pressing concerns, the traders demand decisive action from Governor Soludo’s administration to restore order and accountability within Odera Market. Failure to address these issues, they assert, risks further exploitation and jeopardizes the welfare of traders and the integrity of the market as a whole.