ATF Gives Gov. Obiano Ultimatum To Restore Democracy in Anambra Markets
Gov. Willie Obiano
The Anambra Stste Government has been called upon to within 30 days set out a date to elect a substantive executives of the Amalgamated Markets Traders of Anambra State (AMATAS).
The chairman of Anambra Traders’ Forum (ATF),High Chief Uzor A. Uzor and his Secretary Nze Ekwe M.O. Ekwe who made the call during a press conference in Awka , Anambra State yesterday, said the Caretaker executive headed by the Governor’s brother in-law has overstayed its stipulated tenure.
The then leadership of AMATAS was at the verge of conducting a free and free and credible option A4 type of election to replace the leadership of Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo who contested and won Election in Federal House of Assemble representing Orumba North and South Constituency when the State Government dissolved the executive and set up Caretaker committee led by Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu.
High Chief Uzor said the interim executive has been in office for over six months now and therefore there is need for an election for the emergence of a credible leadership for Anambra State traders.
He said the imposition of Caretaker Committee and undue interference by the State Government in the leadership of Anambra Markets were illegal and unacceptable saying that the tenure of this interim market leadership has expired and elapsed since three months ago.
“This constitute the highest degree of illegality and immorally wrong.
Therefore, ATF gives Anambra State Government 30 days to start the process of conducting a fresh and inclusive election, without which the members will embark on protest that will shake the very foundation of the State” High Chief Uzor said.
He said the Governor of Anamby State, Chief Willie Obiano, was a product of legitimate and credible electoral and process and should therefore be fair enough to ensure that democracy that was in Anambra markets before he came in resumes accordingly.
The ATF boss said the era of despotism,dictatorship and fragrant and despotic imposition against traders which allowed for Caretaker Committees being installed in different markets in the State cannot stand the test of time in this era.
He also called on the State Government to restore AMATAS as the substantive umbrella market Association in Anambra State, becsuse it has the backing of the laws of this country as a registered body under Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) High Chief Uzor warned.
