Market Leader Dismisses Rumour Of Onitsha Tools’ Market Closure

The Vice- Chairman of the Tools and Allied Products Dealers Market, Onitsha in Anambra Chief Sylverter Ahanonu on Thursday dismissed rumours that the market had been shut.

Ahanonu told newsmen in Onitsha that the market security men only protested the non-payment of their salary arrears.

“At no time was the market closed; it is the handiwork of mischief makers. The immediate past executive owed the security men the money.

“It is some members of the past executive led by Chief Peter Okala that are peddling the rumour that the market had been shut.

“Two days ago, we cleared the N400,000 salary arrears owed the security workers,’’ Ahanonu said.

He added that since the present market executive assumed office two years ago, it had built social amenities worth over N11.5million.

“We have upgraded our one-storey multi-purpose hall at the cost of N7 million.

“We sunk a bole-hole and its water reticulation facilities within the market for N500,000 as well as constructed 12 modern toilets at the cost of N3.6 million.

“The market leaders have also blocked all unauthorised entrances into the market; thus, wading off Indian Hemp smokers from the market.

“We have also embarked on a fresh registration exercise of the market members.

“The settlement of the security arrears; the closing of unauthorised entrances and fresh registration of members are meant to prepare our security outfit for the Ember months

“So the market is not closed as being rumoured,’’ he said.

But Okala said that he was still the chairman of the market as his tenure had not lapsed.

Okala said that the present executive was an illegitimate one, adding that he would not give account of his stewardship to an illegitimate government.

“They are the people that will render account to my leadership and I will bring the EFCC at the appropriate time.

“The present leadership must give account of the levies it has collected,’’ Okala, the immediate past chairman of the market, said.