By Our Correspondent
The Media Directorate of Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, has criticized the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Law Mefor, over the government’s handling of the Ogbo Ogwu drug market at Bridgehead, Onitsha.
In a statement, the Ukachukwu media team expressed concern over Mefor’s recent press release, which they alleged deliberately ignored core issues affecting traders.
The statement noted that Mefor’s release failed to address the alleged extortion of N700,000 per shop by NAFDAC, allegedly done with the state government’s knowledge.
The APC team demanded a two-year tax holiday for Ogbo Ogwu traders to cushion the economic impact of the market closure.
Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu reiterated his commitment to protecting and promoting Anambra’s business community, assuring traders that “help is on the way, and the days of commercial oppression in Anambra are numbered.”
The statement read in part,”We have read with great concern the recent statement issued by Mr. Law Mefor, Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, purporting to clarify the status of the Ogbo Ogwu drug market at Bridgehead, Onitsha.
“While it is essential to keep the public accurately informed, it is regrettable that Mr. Mefor’s press release deliberately ignored the core issues that underscore the suffering of Anambra traders under the current APGA-led administration.
“First, it is disingenuous to speak of a vibrant and “fully operational” market while completely ignoring the unjust N700,000 per shop allegedly extorted by NAFDAC from traders under the full knowledge and watch of the state government.
“This silence further reinforces the growing perception among Ndi Anambra that the Soludo-led government is anti-trader, anti-commerce, and bereft of the political will or empathy required to drive the commercial prosperity our state deserves.
“Second, it is deeply regrettable that after months of forced closure, during which these traders incurred massive financial losses, the APGA government has resumed tax collection from the same suffering businessmen without offering any form of compensation or relief.
“A government that fails to protect its citizens and their means of livelihood should not double down by bleeding them dry when they are at their most vulnerable.
“We, therefore, demand a two-year tax holiday for all traders in the Ogbo Ogwu drug market to cushion the devastating economic impact they endured during the market closure. Anything less would amount to deliberate punishment of industrious Ndi Anambra who ask for nothing more than a secure environment to trade and thrive.
“The APC governorship candidate, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, remains committed to a pro-people agenda that protects, empowers, and promotes Anambra’s business community. We assure all traders that help is on the way, and the days of commercial oppression in Anambra are numbered.”
