FORMER ANAMBRA POLICE COMMISSIONER URGES TRADERS TO SHUN GREED, REDISCOVER IGBO VALUES
By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha
The immediate past Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, visited the Onitsha Main Market Police Station and traders on February 8th. During his visit, he advised the traders to prioritize love, unity, and selflessness, warning against the destructive nature of hatred, greed, and the lust for power.
CP Itam who noted that the desire for control and wealth has led to violence and bloodshed in the state, particularly in the context of market associations and unions, emphasized the importance of rediscovering the Igbo values of community help, family values, and mutual care, which have been eroded over the past 25 years due to an excessive focus on wealth.
He encouraged the traders and residents to reclaim their state and values, stressing that this is the only way to overcome the current challenges facing Anambra State and the Southeast. The CP recalled the incident of the killing of the House Member, Hon Justice Azuka, arresting and parading of the kidnappers and the attempted kidnap of the Mayor of Onitsha North, Hon.Nweze Tony Nworah.
According to him, “Onitsha Main Market traders play a vital role in supporting billions of people, serving countries like Equatorial Guinea, Congo, and Cameroon. In 2023, I worked in Banky, the last border town before Chad, and witnessed how all the lorries came from Onitsha to supply the East Central African markets. Despite Boko Haram’s presence, an average of 500 trucks leave Onitsha every night.”
Regarding the police station’s location, he noted that every environment requires specialized policing, prioritizing fire safety and preventing deaths due to the market’s unique layout.
He stressed the need to build modern markets with hospitals attached with a standard fire station, saying that it would boost businesses and encourage more people. He frowned at the negligence of the market hall and challenged all the zonal heads, executives to look out for a way to free the building to look like an administrative building, noting that it is not befitting of the largest market in the West Africa, warning that it’s negligence causes fire.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Main Market Police Station, SP Joy Ikpeama complained that she assumed office as the DPO of the station without an office due to the fire incident that occured on 21st March, 2023 at Onitsha North Local Government building where Main Market Division was located, stating that their belongings including case files, exhibits, uniforms/police accoutrements were lost in the incident.
She requested additional personnel, particularly rank and file members and a typist, to enhance policing effectiveness in her area of responsibility. Additionally, she urged the Commissioner of Police to advise the state government to release the remaining parts of the first floor of the burnt Onitsha North Local Government building, allowing for more offices and improved policing efficiency.
Chief Innocent Ezeoha, the market chairman, revealed that the police station is the primary hub for handling cases in the area, aside from the State CID. He praised the DPO, saying, “the DPO always surprises us, and we count on her.” He expressed his hope for the station’s upgrade.
Regarding the market hall’s neglect, Chief Ezeoha reaffirmed his commitment to renovating the hall and making the market a model for excellence. However, he expressed frustration with his executives, who insist on sharing funds among themselves before approving renovation expenses.
Other notable speakers at the event included; Chief Kennedy Tasie, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of Main Market Vigilante; Chief Chinenye Ihenko, 2nd in command and representative of the Commander AVG; and Emeka Okoli, Secretary of the market.
Dignitaries in attendance included Chief Nsude Philip, former market treasurer; Chief Sunday Arum Nwobodo, Chairman of the United Butchers Association; Chief Igwebuike Okafor, a market stakeholder; and various market officers and line chairmen.
