Onitsha Market: Those challenging my appointment, undermining Anambra gov’t … Caretaker Chairman
Mr Chinedu Aniagboso, Caretaker Chairman of Machete Dealers Association, Main Market, Onitsha has described the protest against his appointment as chairman of the market as stage-managed.
Aniagboso told newsmen in Onitsha on Friday that it was sad that a few people in the market who saw politics as their trade could go to the length of undermining the policies and actions of the Anambra government just to achieve their selfish gains.
Recall that the Anambra government inaugurated the Caretaker Committee on Aug. 23 but a group led by Emeka Anyanwo protested the appointment of his committee, saying it was illegal.
Anyanwo who claimed to be the elected chairman of the Machete dealers described the appointment as imposition and called on the government to rescind it.
But Aniagboso said no legal election had been conducted for the association by the state government and showed a letter from the Ministry of Trade and Commerce dated June 28, 2021 which canceled their election.
He said those who joined Anyanwo in his protest were rented from outside the market to blackmail the government.
“It is sad that the protesters had the temerity to question and undermine the action of the Anambra government.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Government has not conducted an election for this association; the illegal one they held was canceled by the ministry letter dated Aug. 28, 2021.
“This group of people want to impose their selfish agenda on members of the Machete Dealers Association and the Anambra State Government which has its programme for administration of markets and election,” he said.
Aniagboso said he was focused on ensuring that the new site project for permanent relocation of Machete at Ogidi was completed in good time and would not be distracted.
He thanked the Anambra government for finding them worthy for the appointment while promising that the Committee would protect members’ interest and help achieve the objective of government for permanent relocation.
