…says the sit-at-home is another fake news which even IPOB has cleared the air that it was a fake news
Anambra State government has described as fake news speculation making the rounds that markets in the State would be shut on December 20, 2022 and to reopen on January 20, 2023.
The body also debunked alleged five-day sit-at-home beginning from December 9 to 14.
Addressing market chairmen and secretaries at the Secretariat of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA), Onitsha, Chief of Staff to the State Government, Chief Ernest Ezeajughi urged the traders to disregard the rumour, saying it was handwork the enemies of progress.
“Don’t mind the enemies of progress, how can we close markets at this critical time that we are about to celebrate the Christmas and New year. It is the period we make sales, so don’t mind the saboteurs.
“The sit-at-home is another fake news which even IPOB has cleared the air that it was a fake news. To have sit-at-home from 9th to 14th of December, it is not possible. Even in the time of Covid-19, we did not have it this long,” he stated.
Expressing satisfaction with the cordial relationship between traders and Government, Ezeajughi regretted that only about five per cent of the markets have paid their stallage levies, urging those yet to pay to comply.
“It is from the money generated that the government will be able to put in place the infrastructures. We should endeavour to meet up before the year rounds up,” he pleaded.
Responding, ASMATA President, Chief Humphrey Anuna, reassured traders of his readiness to work comfortably with them to move the markets and State forward, calling for prompt payment of their stallage levies as demanded by the government.
Chairman of Ogidi Building Materials market, Chief Jude Nwankwo commended government for finding him worthy to be appointed patron, pledging his willingness support its programmes and policies.
Also speaking, Chairman, Onitsha Main market, Chief Innocent Ezennia complained of exorbitant levies by revenue collectors on articulated vehicles in the market which always resulted in crisis, calling for government’s intervention.
