Chinedum Elekwachi
The leadership of Ogbo-Ogwu Medicine Market in Onitsha has called on Governor Charles Soludo and NAFDAC to urgently act on petitions against fake drug dealers.
The petition said that individuals previously sanctioned for selling fake drugs have reportedly resumed illegal activities.
Addressing newsmen in Onitsha was Chairman of the market’s Caretaker Committee, Mr. Ndubuisi Chukwuleta.
Chukwuleta, warned that the group’s actions threaten the market’s peace and integrity.
He alleged that the group, banned for drug-related offenses, is now inciting traders, disrupting monthly prayer sessions and reopening sealed shops.
“There is arecent incident during the market’s monthly Wednesday prayer session.
“It is being organized by the Market Evangelism Group and it began since 1998.
“While shops are expected to remain closed during the prayer session, the group in question attempted to disrupt the exercise.
“The group have even demanded that the prayer meetings be abolished, claiming they no longer want it.
“We have advised them to stay away during the sessions if they are uncomfortable and return afterwards. But they insist the prayers must end.”he said.
Chukwuleta linked the unrest to stricter anti-counterfeit measures under his administration, which hold traders accountable for the drugs they sell.
He said this approach has reduced illegal drug activity and provoked backlash from affected parties.
He also noted improved security measures, including single-gate access, which have curbed illicit activities.
Despite opposition, he vowed to uphold the market’s prayer tradition and maintain public health standards.
Chukwuleta urged swift intervention from NAFDAC and the state government to prevent further destabilisation of the market.
“We do not want few individuals to jeopardize the integrity of this market or put traders at risk of regulatory sanctions.
