“Traders Are Bleeding, Soludo Is Silent” – Ukachukwu Blasts Governor Over Ogbo Ogwu Market Closure

All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for Anambra State, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, has launched a scathing criticism of Governor Charles Soludo, accusing him of turning a blind eye to the suffering of traders following the closure of Ogbo Ogwu drug market in Onitsha.

Speaking in Onitsha after attending a Thanksgiving Mass at Holy Trinity Catholic Cathedral with his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife, and supporters, Ukachukwu described the governor’s attitude as “a troubling lack of business empathy” and a sign of disconnect from the everyday struggles of Anambra’s commercial community.

“Traders are bleeding, businesses are gasping for breath, and the governor remains silent,” Ukachukwu declared. “Governor Soludo has once again shown that he does not understand the heartbeat of commerce in Anambra. His handling of the Ogbo Ogwu market closure reveals a disturbing detachment from the realities our people face daily.”

The Ogbo Ogwu market, a major pharmaceutical hub in West Africa, was recently sealed by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) over regulatory concerns. While Ukachukwu acknowledged the importance of enforcement and public safety, he argued that government must lead with compassion and strategic engagement in times of crisis.

“Soludo should have engaged NAFDAC, reassured stakeholders, and provided solutions,” he said. “Instead, what we see is silence. Our people are stranded, businesses are bleeding, and Anambra is losing vital revenue.”

Reiterating his commitment to the business community, Ukachukwu pledged that under his leadership, traders and entrepreneurs would be treated as strategic partners. “The governor should be the chief marketer of every business in this state. Under my leadership, no trader or business owner will be abandoned. They are the backbone of our economy.”

Ukachukwu also urged NAFDAC to resume dialogue with market leaders, especially in light of recent allegations of extortion, and called on the Soludo administration to immediately intervene to restore confidence and fairness in Anambra’s business environment.