The Anambra State Government has announced plans to conduct market elections across the state, with a firm eight-year tenure limit for market executives, as part of measures to strengthen accountability and restore economic stability.
The decision was taken at the Anambra State Executive Council retreat and communicated to traders during a working visit to Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evarist Uba.
Uba also directed that all markets in the state must resume full business activities on Mondays, formally ending compliance with the sit-at-home order.
He warned that any market that violates the directive would be shut for two weeks.
According to him, the Soludo administration would not tolerate actions capable of undermining commercial activities, public order, or the livelihoods of traders.
He explained that market elections would begin soon, starting from market line executives, and stressed that line and zonal leaders who have served for more than eight years would not be eligible to recontest.
Uba added that only traders who are actively engaged in business within the markets would be allowed to vie for elective positions.
Responding, the President of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders
Association, Chief Humphrey Anuna, commended the state government for its engagement with traders and praised the caretaker committee of Onitsha Main Market for maintaining order and stability.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalaugo, assured the government of total compliance with the directive, pledging that the market would no longer observe the Monday sit-at-home.
He thanked the Soludo administration for its continued support and for the improved stability currently experienced in the market.
As part of the engagement, the government delegation also visited Agbaedo New Auto Spare Parts Market in Nnewi, where traders and leaders of the New Motorcycle Spare Parts Dealers Association were similarly addressed and urged to resume normal business activities every Monday.
DAILY GAZETTE recalls that Governor Chukwuma Soludo had earlier ordered the closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week over non-compliance with the Monday business directive, warning that the sanction could be extended if defiance persisted.
