Chinedum Elekwachi
Leadership of Ogbo-ogwu market in Onitsha, Anambra state has dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging its connivance with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to aid sale of fake and expired products in the market.
Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the market, Ndubuisi Chukwuleta stated this in a press briefing
He also refuted reports accusing his leadership of protecting NAFDAC’s interests as against those of his members.
According to him, such allegations targeted at tarnishing his reputation were the handiwork of suspended executive members not comfortable with his leadership style and landmark achievements.
He said, “This media briefing followed fake products allegations against me three days ago.
“The report alleged that I’m protecting the interest of NAFDAC and romancing with the agency as against my members.
“I initially didn’t want to react to the publication but keeping quiet will further authenticate the allegations.
He further explained, “For 32years I’ve been in this business, I’ve not sold fake products. I’ve not been accused nor arrested for such. I’ve not had any case with anyone whether in court or police.
The Caretaker Chairman pointed that apart from making laws against fake products, his leadership has vigorously implemented the laws.
“We periodically confiscate fake products and hand them over to NAFDAC who give us fine to pay for destruction of the products.
“We’re the ones to hire vehicles and pack all the products for onward transmission to NAFDAC warehouse.
Over 70m fake drugs destroyed annually
Chukwuleta said, “There’s no year we don’t hand over fake, expired and banned products worth over N70million for destruction. All these are documented.
Chukwuleta said his passionate hatred for fake drugs has drawn him against people who profit from faking and counterfeiting.
“I’ve stepped on several toes fighting this battle. I’ve been offered bribes ranging from N10 to N15million which I rejected.
“I’ve been dragged to court, police stations, government, and even House of Assembly, all to frustrate me, yet I was not found guilty of any allegations.
“We’re 21 in my exco and 15 are solidly behind me. The remaining 6 who the government suspended are those fighting us. It’s the same people that hired the guy behind the publication.”
Transparent leadership
The Ogbo-ogwu market Caretaker Chairman attributed the feats of his administration to transparent and accountable leadership.
“I’ve always run a transparent and accountable administration since I assumed office. I’ve never imposed any fee on the traders, yet we’ve achieved a lot.
“For example, I inherited N8million electricity bill. But I cleared it on assumption of office.
“We paid N53million IGR as against N11million by previous administration. I generated N115million for government last year which fetched me a special gift.
“After the explosion we experienced, I spent over N6million excavating the entire area without collecting a dime from anyone. The only fees traders pay in the market is security and electricity.
“I repaired borehole and conveniences in the market without taxing anyone. All were done from union account.
“My joy is NAFDAC’s testimony during our meeting with them. According to the official, for the 7 months he monitored my activities with their surveillance, he discovered I was clean. He said that before our stakeholders.”
Public Relations Officer of the market, Anozie Chibuzo while passing vote of confidence on the chairman on behalf of exco members, said, “Our chairman is not only transparent and humane, but a workaholic.
“I call him Mr Project. We have confidence in him,” he posited.
