Former Governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has asked for the immediate reopening of markets not involved in illegal activities after the closure of the Head Bridge Market in Onitsha by regulatory and security agencies.
The closure followed suspected illicit drug trading in one section of the market, Ogbo Ogwu Market. While Obi unequivocally condemned the trade of counterfeit and illegal drugs, he expressed strong disapproval of the blanket closure that also affected neighboring markets not connected to the illegal trade.
In a post on his X-handle, Obi stated that markets like Rod, Allied and Tools, Plumbing Materials, Timber, Surgical, and Provision Markets were collaterally affected despite having no link to the alleged drug activities.
“The continued closure of these markets is unjustified and causing severe economic hardship for thousands of traders and their families, especially during this difficult time in our country,” Obi said. He called for a transparent investigation, ensuring that store owners are present during inspections, with all enforcement actions conducted in compliance with due process.
“If the goal is a legitimate search, why extend the closure to other markets? What are their offences?” Obi questioned.
Reflecting on his tenure as Governor of Anambra State, Obi recalled how similar public health challenges were addressed without causing unnecessary economic disruptions. He highlighted the importance of working collaboratively with security agencies and market regulators to maintain fairness while tackling issues.
Obi appealed to the government to reconsider its strategy to prevent further hardship on traders and their families, urging a targeted approach that focuses on culprits without affecting innocent businesses.
“A targeted enforcement approach will ensure that culprits are brought to justice without crippling the economic activities of innocent traders,” Obi advised.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to supporting measures that enhance public health and security, while emphasizing the importance of fairness, transparency, and economic stability in their implementation.