AMATAS Not Behind Street Trading In Onitsha- ATF Press Statement

The Anambra State Traders Consultative Forum (ATF), has flayed some traders in Onitsha, especially in Ochanja market for making “unferiable, unfounded and false allegations against the leadership of the Almagamated Traders Association of Anambra State (AMATAS).

A trader at Ochanja market had alleged that AMATAS leadership was behind Street trading at Ziks Avenue in Onitsha.

But Chief Daniel Okeke, chairman of ATF, told newsmen that there was no iota of truth in the allegations.

He said “AMATAS presided over 72 markets in the State. How can they leave the control of those markets for Street trading in Ochanja and other markets. These are enemies of AMATAS. They want to destroy the body to have unassailable access to various markets in the State to deal with their leaders “.

He said going by the progressive leadership record of Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, President General of AMATAS, people should not undermine his achievements.

Chief Okeke said Nwankwo was the first market leader to build a secretariat, bought over 25 buses which he handed over to less privileged traders, paid hospital insurance scheme for over 30, 000 traders through the recently introduced Anambra State Insurance scheme.

“Nwankwo is a democrat per excellence, who has instituted democracy in 72 markets, opposed militarised Caretaker Committees by some government officials. Those making the allegations are afraid of his monumental achievements” he said.

He urged stakeholders and traders in the State to continue to back. Chief Nwankwo in his new assignment as a Member, House of Representatives representing Orumba North and South federal constituent, stressing that he will use the position to improve the lots of traders in the state, Chief Okeke said