By Uzo Ugwunze
Onitsha market fire victims under the aegis of Onitsha Printing Paper Dealers Association Market, Woliwo Onitsha, Anambra state, have vowed to vote for Governor Chukwuma Soludo come 8 November 2025 governorship election in the state sequel to his numerous achievements in the state
The one time fire victims who lost most of their wares and shops during the fire out break in their market some time ego disclosed that the governor touched all aspects of the economy that include, education, road rehabilitation, market upliftment, employment, restoration of security, among others.
Making the disclosure to newsmen, the market chairmen, Mr. Izuchukwu Valentine Ifegbo, explained that with these achievements the governor wants better welfare for his people and urged the people to vote him again for second tenure.
“The governor doesn’t fear anybody in doing something he feels is for the betterment of his people. Don’t be deceived with people who will be spreading money around to buy your conscience come the election day. Vote for Soludo for the Angel you know is better than the one you don’t know.
“I commend the governor for the people he appointed to pilot the affairs of the markets that include, the President of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA, Chief Humphrey Anuna, Special Adviser to Soludo on Trade and Markets, (SPAD), Hon. Evarist Uba and other market leaders
“My prayer is that ASMATA and government should unite in our market for we lack some facilities like water for our toilets, solar system for electricity, and the levy we pay should be looked into.
“Let the Local and state governments’ levies not be different to avoid multiple levy payment because we suffer when there is multiple levies and since after the fire outbreak in our market some people were forcefully sent packing.
“Some went to village and once all you have were burnt, it is like one starting life afresh and that is why we beg Governor Soludo and other good spirited individuals to come to our rescue financially.
“Our members should be made to come back to the market, there are empty shops in the market and some have their shops in the market. Because they left and stay along Okwei and New Market road, we find it very difficult to pay our stallage levies to government.
“Another problem we are having in the market is the issue of contractors who claim ownership of the market. My plea is for government intervention in all these problems to enable us progress,” he pleaded.
In his own contribution, the financial secretary, Sir Martins Ihekeme, said they would continue to support Soludo because of his achievements recalling that prior to Soludo’s assumption of office there were no roads in New Market road to Onitsha Main market.
“The governor also restored security in the state. Formerly once it was 5pm everybody will start to rush home because of criminal elements but now we stay up to 10pm on the road without fear of any catastrophe and Soludo did the magic wand,” he revealed.