By Chinedum Treasure
Onitsha market fire victims under the aegis of Onitsha Printing Paper Dealers Association Market, Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra state have vowed to vote for Governor Chukwuma Soludo following his numerous achievements in the state.
The victims who lost most of their wares and shops during the fire out break in their market some time ego disclosed that the governor touched all aspects of the economy including education, road rehabilitation, market upliftment, employment, restoration of security, among others.
Speaking to newsmen, Market chairman, Izuchukwu Ifegbo urged the people to vote him for second tenure as his desire had always been better welfare for his people.
“The governor doesn’t fear anybody in doing something he feels is for the betterment of his people. Don’t be deceived with people who will be spreading money around to buy your conscience come the election day.
“Vote for Soludo for the Angel you know is better than the one you don’t know.
“I commend the governor for the people he appointed to pilot the affairs of the markets including President of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, Special Adviser to Soludo on Trade and Markets, (SPAD), Hon. Evarist Uba among other market leaders.
“My prayer is that ASMATA and government should unite in our market for we lack some facilities like water for our toilets, solar system for electricity, and the levy we pay should be looked into.
“Let the Local and state governments’ levies not be different to avoid multiple levy payment because we suffer when there is multiple levies.
“Since after the fire outbreak in our market some people were forcefully sent packing. Some went to village and once all you have were burnt, it is like one starting life afresh.
“That is why we beg Governor Soludo and other good spirited individuals to come to our rescue financially. We need our members return to the market; there are empty shops here and some have their shops in the market.
“Because they left to stay along Okwei and New Market road, we find it very difficult to pay our stallage levies to government.
“Another problem we are having is the issue of contractors who claim ownership of the market. My plea is for government intervention in all these problems to enable us progress,” he pleaded.
Also speaking, financial secretary, Sir Martins Ihekeme, said they would continue to support Soludo, recalling absence of roads in New Market road to Onitsha Main market prior to this assumption of office.
“The governor also restored security in the state. Formerly once it was 5pm everybody will be rushing home because of criminals but now we stay up to 10pm on the road without fear of anything. Soludo did the magic wand,” he revealed.
