By Chinedum Treasure
President General, Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna urged newly elected leaders of Pepper Dealers Association, Woliwo, Onitsha to involve their members in decision-making and protect their market against fire outbreaks.
Anuna gave the advice prior to the conduct of the election of the Association which saw Ezeugo Onyeka emerged as chairman to pilot the affairs of the association.
Onyeka scored 46 votes out of 52 votes cast by the eligible voters while his rival, Ozonnagbo Chidiebere scored eight votes and Mr. Innocent Nwigberi was elected vice chairman (unopposed).
Others elected were, Mr. Vincent Okafor, Secretary, Mr. Sunday Nwusulor, Assistant Secretary, Anayo Nwite , Financial Secretary, Mr. Usulor Chinedu, Treasurer, Agbom Obinna, P.R.O., and Ubaka Chidiebere, Provost.
Anuna expressed satisfaction that since his emergence as ASMATA PG, peace has been restored in all markets and there has not been any record of fire incidence.
He warned them that if such happens in any market, the market leader and the securities should be held responsible as they will be handed over to the police even as he prayed God to avert such from the markets
He further warned the newly elected leaders to involve their members in decision-making and protect their market against fire outbreaks.
He also advised them to abide by the Governor Soludo’s new directive not to collect any levy in their market for now except ANSEPA levy until further notice.
The election was conducted and the staff of office handed over to the newly elected officers by High Chief Emeka Unegbu, ASMATA P.R.O.
Chief Eric Uwaoma, the electoral committee chairman, described the election as free, fair and credible.
He thanked all the market executives both elected ones and the members of the market for their support and humility.
He advised them to continue with their good character so that whatever they invested in township, when they take it home, it will yield dividends in their various villages.
The newly elected Chairman, Onyeka has in his post election speech expressed happiness on his victory, and pledged to be a leader and not a dictator for the rapid infrastructural development of the market.
His words, “I expected that I will win the election because our Union knows my character. For all of them to support me I know there are things they are expecting from me to do in our market and I promise them that I will give it to them.
“I am one of the founders of this market, I have worked in many offices in this market, secretary, financial secretary for two times, Vice Chairman for two tenures, so today I am the chairman,” he stated.
“I thank all the members of our market both those that came from PortHarcourt, Ebonyi State, Enugu State, I pray God will lead them home safely.”
Former caretaker of the market, Chuma Nnabuike handed over all the market’s properties to the elected executive for continuity and promised them that they should call on him if need be pledging to render necessary assistance for peace to reign.
In his contribution, Vincent Okafor, Secretary, expressed satisfaction with the election and promised unity and progress.
“I know our Union is expecting lots of things from us, by the Grace of God what the past regime couldn’t do, our executive will do it.
“We will make sure there is peace and unity in our market and we promise everyone that before this year runs out they will see the difference,” he boasted.
Agbom Obinna, P.R.O., thanked God for the peaceful conduct of the election and pledged the best leadership.
“We also thank Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the office of SPAD for organizing our market election, we are very happy,” he stated.
