To enable those in need to earn a living and survive, Peter Obi, a former presidential candidate for the Labour Party, has called for the restoration of Onitsha’s Head Bridge Market.
Regulatory and security agencies’ decision to completely shut down the market, he claims, is having an impact on innocent traders who depend on it for their livelihood.
Obi stated that he is in agreement with the necessity of limiting the sale of illegal, hard, and outdated medications in certain areas of the market, but he urged the relevant authorities to take this action without closing the market as a whole.
Due to the complete closure of the market, he claimed, several innocent traders who deal in other legitimate materials have lost their means of subsistence.
Obi reportedly submitted the application on Monday through a post on his 𝕏 account.
The entire Head Bridge Market in Onitsha has been shut down by security and regulatory authorities because of possible drug trafficking in the Ogbo Ogwu area of the market.
For the sake of society’s health and safety, I urgently call for the immediate reopening of nearby markets that were also negatively impacted by the closure, even though I vehemently condemn such illegal drug trading activities and urge the government to take all necessary steps to stop the sale of fake goods, particularly drugs, and bring those responsible to justice.
“It seems excessive and unjustified to close down other nearby markets that are not involved in addition to the Ogbo Ogwu Market, such as Rod, Allied and Tools, Plumbing Materials, Timber, Surgical, and Provision Markets.”
“Therefore, I urge their prompt reopening, since their ongoing closure is negatively impacting the lives of millions, particularly in this challenging time for our nation,” Peter Obi argued.
We Dealt with Related Problems In my subsequent remarks as governor, Obi suggested that a more impartial and open approach be taken to resolve the issue because the state and other relevant authorities must remember the financial consequences of their actions on those who have been excluded from the market due to circumstances that are not their fault.
Additionally, store owners should be present during the search process so that it is visible and that the law and due process can remove products from their establishments.
The shutdown should not be extended to other markets if the intention is to carry out a valid search. Which offenses do they have?
As governor of Anambra state, I dealt with similar circumstances on several occasions.
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“Whenever public health issues arose, we worked together and methodically with the appropriate agencies to address them. In situations when market interventions were necessary, we collaborated closely with security and regulatory organizations to guarantee due process and equity.
It protected livelihoods and avoided needless disruptions.
“The current approach needs to be reevaluated in order to avoid causing traders, their families, and the state economy excessive pain.
A more transparent and well-rounded strategy will improve economic stability and security.
The collateral economic implications of nearby market closures should always be considered while working for improved public health. -PO,” Obi said.
