World Bank Market Executives Palaver: Traders Calls On Governor Uzodimma’s Urgent Intervention
Anselem Anokwute
Traders at the World Bank Market in Owerri, Imo State, are calling on Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma to urgently intervene in the abruptly market executive Crisis orchestrated by the Commissioner for Commerce and Investment to ensure peace and order.
The crisis began when Imo State Commissioner for Commerce and Investment, Barr Rex Anunobi (Sokom), imposed Daniel Ibe, a dry fish seller and oppositions, as the Substantive Chairman of the World Bank Market.
This move was against the five-man Caretaker Leadership Committees appointed by the Owerri Municipal Council Area Chairman, Hon. Chidiebere Emeribe to superintend and manage the Market’s for the Council.
The traders are disappointed with Commissioner Anunobi’s actions, stating that as a lawyer, he should know that market management falls under the council, not the ministry.
They claim that Anunobi’s imposition of Ibe is an attempt to put his personal interests above the needs of the market and its traders.
Comrade Nnamdi Udoka, the leader of the Caretaker Committee, alleges that Ibe is a member of the Labour Party who opposed Governor Uzodimma’s re-election and out to destabilize the peace in the World Bank Market Owerri.
Comrade Nnamdi Udoka’s led Committee according to the sources has been working harder to maintain the market’s daily activities, including security, utility payments, and cleanliness and should not be ask to stop collections of tolls and revenue or work because there’s no vacuum in leadership.
In response, Ibe claims that he is the rightful Chairman, appointed by the Commissioner for Commerce and Investment Barr Rex Anunobi and will continue to carry out his duties until the commissioner orders otherwise. The police have advised both sides to stop collecting revenue until the matter is resolved.
The traders are urging Governor Uzodimma to intervene, ensuring the safety and security of the market and its traders. They believe that only the governor can resolve the crisis and maintain peace in the market.