Emma Elekwa
President, Southeast, South-south Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, Mr Humphrey Ngonadi has applauded Anambra state Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his move in ensuring return of business activities in Onitsha markets on Mondays.
Ngonadi gave the commendation on Thursday shortly after a meeting of the governor with leaders of all markets in Onitsha following closure of Onitsha main market on Monday.
He described the decision as wise which he said was for the best interest of the people of the state and Southeast in general.
He appealed to the people, particularly the traders to accept the decision in good faith.
Ugonadi called on the governor to ensure visibility of security personnel in the markets to boost confidence of the traders.
He said, “The Governor has done the right thing, which is for the interest of the entire state, and not for his personal gain.
Monday of losses
“Anambra has been losing billions of naira every Monday, with lots of people moving to other states in their droves due to insecurity.
“So, re-establishing business on Mondays is a wise thing to do and for the best interest of the people as their chief shepherd.
“But I will still appeal, let the security personnel be visible. If the traders see the security men, it will boast their confidence to come to the market.
“Many don’t like sitting at home on Mondays, but out of fear, they don’t open their shops because nobody wants to lose his life.
“I also appeal to the people to accept what the governor has done in good fate.”
Reacting to the governor proposal to move the market completely off for the next two years, Ngonadi stressed the need to provide alternative place for the traders to move in before the two years’ expiration.
“A businessman can’t afford to leave his shop and be hovering for two years.
He needs to be provided an alternative place to be doing his business pending when the new market is completed,” he added.
