Anambra: Governor Soludo To Harmonise Levies,Taxes ….As Anambra Traders Endorsed Him
By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
The Governor of the state, Prof Charles Soludo on 23rd August promised to Harmonise Levies and taxes in the state across all sectors to prevent multiple taxation and publicity of revenue drives between the state, local a d other agencies.
Governor Soludo made this disclosure at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium during the endorsement of his second term bid by the traders in the state under the aegis of ASMATA which was tagged”A day if celebration with Anambra traders in appreciation of Governor Soludo’s good works, where they also donated N10M to the governor for his logistics during the governorship election campaign
He also reiterated that petty traders, barrow pushers, hawkers, and other low-income earners in the state have been exempted from paying taxes and daily tolls in the state.
He charged the traders to remain vigilant while maintaining the values of hard work and enterprise as opposed to the get-rich-quick syndrome leading some youths into “okeite” and “yahoo boys” syndrome.
The governor also stated that the state government under his watch will continue to partner with them for the continuous transformation of the state. He said that he has been intentional in his push for a recreated and regenerated Anambra when he applied for the job of governor and will never lose focus.
He restated the fact that his administration has not borrowed funds since its inception despite all the development projects, noting that to sustain the tempo of development in the state requires the collective effort of all stakeholders, of which the traders constitute a very significant part.
In his speech, the President General of ASMATA, Humphrey Anuna, said that traders in the state have prospered under the Soludo administration because of his intentional approach to development and enduring peace, which his administration has fostered in the markets.
He noted that with the One Youth, Two Skills initiative of the Soludo administration, many apprentice traders have graduated into budding entrepreneurs and have also established various businesses with the skills learnt from the programme.
The Patrons of ASMATA, Chief Jude Nwankwo (Ochudo) and Chief Jude Agumadu (Baby Awka), in their separate remarks, noted that Soludo has made great impact in different sectors like education, health facilities, urban regeneration and road infrastructure,
They noted that the construction of access roads in Awka and Onitsha has made it easier for traders both within Anambra and those who come from outside the state to engage in seamless commercial activities without stress.
The traders also praised the establishment of Agunechemba and Udo ga Achi operatives whose activities, in conjunction with other security agencies, have helped in restoring security in the state with a consequent boom in economic activities.
“We have agreed unanimously that Soludo is our candidate and nobody else. Traders will suffer in Anambra State if Soludo is not re-elected. Saturday, November 8, 2025, is a done deal for us,” they chorused.
In an interview, the Chairman of Iron Dealers Union Nteje, Mr Evaristus Ejezie lauded Governor Soludo’s infrastructural development in the state, noting that he has performed massively in this first tenure and wondered how the second tenure would be.
According to him,” Governor Soludo has no rival and I strongly believed that after his eight years in office, Anambra State will be much more better as it is”,Ejezie posited.
The Chairman of Haruna Market, Chief Emmanuel Idoko declared that Governor Charles Soludo is Oluatuegwu indeed, that this second tenure is indisputable, described the day as a wonderful day for the traders.
He added that the traders are happy with the governor because of his good works in the state, especially one youth two skills initiative for Umu Boi which a lot of Umu Boi have benefitted from.
Contributing, the Chairman of Sokoto Road Market, Chief Emeka Mbachu, (Isimmili) commended the traders endorsement of Mr Soludo, noting that the governor deserved it . He also disclosed that he has mobilized voters massively for the re-election of the governor come November guber election.
Mr Umennabuike Ikechukwu, (Ogbuefi Ezenwugo) the former chairman of all Chairmen in Ogbo-Ogwu Bridgehead Market, stated that there is much difference in Anambra State of yesterday and that of today. He said ” don’t normally attend to political rallies but today, I locked my shop in honour of Mr Governor.
“I have examined all the contestants in this coming election , most of them will step down for the governor and start seeking for political appointments from the governor. As for me, it is only Governor Soludo is contesting”,He said.
