By Ebuka Onyekwelu, Ph.D
The Anambra State Government has intervened in the brewing dispute between traders at Ogbo Mmanya Market, popularly known as Onitsha Beer Market, and the owners of the property where the market is located.
The intervention followed a fierce protest staged by traders at the market last week, during which they appealed to the state government to intervene and protect their interests.
Following consideration of the issues surrounding the dispute, the Commissioner for Commerce, Hon. Nomso Ebonwu, convened a meeting involving the affected traders, market stakeholders and the property owners.
The meeting, which was also attended by the Chairman of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anuna, provided an opportunity for all parties to present their positions and explore ways of resolving the matter amicably.
After deliberations, the Commissioner invited the parties to the negotiation table, where they agreed to renegotiate their terms and seek a mutually acceptable arrangement.
The parties have consequently returned to negotiations as they work towards reaching a temporary agreement pending the determination of an appeal before the court over the ownership of the property.
It is expected that the parties will arrive at a common ground by next week, providing a temporary framework for the traders and property owners while awaiting the outcome of the pending court appeal.
The government’s intervention is aimed at preventing further escalation of the dispute and ensuring that commercial activities at the market continue peacefully pending the final resolution of the ownership matter.
Tags: Anambra State, Ogbo Mmanya Market, Onitsha
