Traders in Anambra will work for Obiano’s re-election – Ogabru market leader

Chairman of Ogbaru Plastic Dealers Association (OPDA), Chief Henry Ikkechukwu Akpotue, has said that all the markets in Anambra State have taken a common stand to work for the return of Governor Willie Obiano in November 18, 2017 election.

Speaking in an interview with The Anambra Times, the market leader said their decision was hinged on the outstanding performance of Governor Obiano.

“We, the traders of Anambra State are happy that Governor Obiano has remembered us by building N10 million project in each market in the state. Past administration did not remember traders. He has performed very well and therefore should go back. All the markets in the state are solidly behind him in this election,” said the chairman.

He lauded Governor Obiano for providing security in the state but advised that he should not relax in the security of the state, even in this electioneering period, rather he should sustain the security.

Lamenting that hoodlums are gradually returning to Onitsha in various disguise, Akpotue called on the Governor to dispatch security operatives to dislodge hoodlums who in their tens stay at toll gate as from 7p.m every day, extorting money from motorists.

The chairman was also grateful to Governor Obiano for their own N10 million hall project which has advanced to decking level, noting that if they had started on time, the project would have finished by now like some others.

Akpotue, who was at various times President, Ndende Building Materials Market Abuja and Plastic tanks, Head Bridge, Onitsha, said that they are currently expanding their market to a new property they purchased at the cost N10 million near the market.

Enumerating his achievements, Akpotue said: “I have achieved peace in the market. There is no crisis in the market now; we had a lot of cases in courts before now.

There is now tight security in the market. Goods are no more missing like before because of our strong security.

“We also have set up prayer group and equipped them. We also empowered the widows in the market. We exempted them from payment of any levy in the market. And they are happy about it”.

He said the greatest challenge facing them was how to sustain their achievements, noting that as a leader, one must carry the people along by making them happy.

Akpotue, who is passionate about widows, called on Governor Obiano to remember widows in each of the markets in Anambra State, adding, “Let there be peace in the state especially in this election. There should be no fighting”.

He commended the President General of Amalgamated Markets Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS), Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, for the quality leadership he is offering traders in the state, noting that “leadership is a call not a place to make money as many enormously believe”.