ASMATA PG succumbs to pressure, makes U-turn on market reopening
By Emeka Ogbonna, Onitsha
Based on pressure from traders, especially Concerned Anambra Traders' Association and stakeholders, the President General, PG, of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders' Association, ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, has reportedly changed the reopening date of markets in the State which he earlier fixed for 10th
January, 2023, now to 4th January, 2023.
Fielding questions from newsmen Friday, at the ASMATA secretariat along Modebe road, Onitsha, he said it was due to worries by some traders and others, stating that the interest of the traders is Paramount in what ASMATA is doing
"We earlier fixed the reopening for 10th of January 2023 but due to concern and worries by some traders we have to bring it down to 4th January 2023. What ever we are doing we have to listen to the interest of majority of the traders.
"Also let me make it clear that I received information that Onitsha Main market was opened when every other market has closed for the Christmas and New year celebration and I had to rush to the Main market to know why.
"On getting there with my 'Make-way team,' the market was not in session but those street traders along Bida/Iweka were in session, they are not Main market traders and we allowed them. We never asked them to shut their shops as speculated because they are street traders.
"By next year we will ensure Ocha Brigade focuses on its duties because they sometimes usurp the functions of ASMATA, committing some crimes and people believe it is ASMATA that commits such crimes when we are not," he stated