Politics
Head Bridge Market: Peter Obi calls for reopening of neighbouring markets
Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, Mr Peter Obi, has questioned the continuous closure of the Head Bridge market over suspected trading in illegal drugs within one section of the market.
Obi expressed worry that shutting down other neighboring markets not involved in addition to the popular drug market seems excessive and unjustified.
He, however, appealed for their immediate reopening, insisting that their continued closure is severely affecting the livelihoods of millions.
In a post on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra state Governor said the current strategy should be reconsidered to prevent undue hardship on traders, their families, and the state’s economy.
He said: “Closure of Head Bridge Market: A Call for reconsideration of position
“The entire Head Bridge Market in Onitsha has been closed by regulatory and security agencies due to suspected trading in illegal drugs within one section of the market known as Ogbo Ogwu.
“While one unequivocally condemns such illicit drug trading activities and urges the government to take all necessary measures to eradicate the sale of fake items—especially drugs—and legally prosecute the perpetrators for the health and safety of society, my concern and appeal are for the immediate reopening of neighbouring markets that were also collaterally affected by the closure.
“Shutting down other neighboring markets not involved in addition to the Ogbo Ogwu Market such as Rod, Allied and Tools, Plumbing Materials, Timber, Surgical, and Provision Markets seems excessive and unjustified
“I therefore appeal for their immediate reopening, as their continued closure is severely affecting the livelihoods of millions, especially during this difficult period in our country.
“Furthermore, the search should be conducted transparently, with store owners present while their shops are inspected and items removed by the law and due process.
“If the goal is to conduct a legitimate search, why extend the closure to other markets? What are their offences?
“During my tenure as Governor of Anambra state, we faced similar situations multiple times.
“Whenever we encountered public health threats, we addressed them collaboratively and methodically with the relevant agencies. In cases requiring market interventions, we worked closely with regulatory authorities and security agencies, ensuring fairness and due process.
“This approach prevented unnecessary disruptions and safeguarded livelihoods.
”The current strategy should be reconsidered to prevent undue hardship on traders, their families, and the state’s economy.
“A more balanced and transparent approach will enhance both security and economic stability.
“While pursuing the end of enhanced public health, we should not lose sight of the collateral economic effects of adjacent market closures should be kept in view always. -PO”
Martin Amaewhule, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Tori News reports Amaewhule defected along with 15 other members of the House on Friday.
Amaewhule said the defection is due to clear division in the PDP.
Recall that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state earlier this year in March, suspending the Governor, Sim Fubara and his Deputy alongside members of the State Assembly.
A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Bode George, has intensified his call for the establishment of state police to contain the wave of insecurity in Nigeria.
George made this call on Friday when he appeared during an interview on Arise Television monitored by Ekwutosblog.
He was reacting to the worsening insecurity situation in the country where innocent Nigerians, including women and schoolchildren are kidnapped and others killed in the process.
“First of all, what is wrong with establishing state police? We have seen nobody is going to cancel the Federal Police, but policing is local.
“When you now turn the boys who live in the same area and legalize their existence to put smiles on the faces of the people, it will be better to manage because they will understand the language of the locals. They know the do’s and don’ts in their own area. So why are we wasting time?
“I am happy I read something last week after the Arewa Consultative meeting in the North. They met and took a decision that they have agreed to a state police.
“Then the Southwest met with their governors, and the governors’ statement made after that conference is that they also accept having state police.
“What are we wasting time for? Because the way it is, you don’t even know who is telling the truth or who is telling the lie,” he said.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that he’s still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike’s comment followed his expulsion from the party by the faction led by National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki.
Turaki had formally dispatched expulsion certificates to 11 prominent party chieftains, including Wike, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, Abdurahman Muhammad Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
He said their expulsion was aimed at sanitising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Wike dismissed the claim while assuring that he would continue to work with other party members in making PDP a relevant opposition party.
The minister spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting the Interchange bridge and road linking Gwarinpa with Jahi and direct to Katampe, Gishiri and Maitama.
He said, “Those that are factionalized are bound to leave the party, I’m still in PDP and you can see that not everybody has left.
“We still have good numbers and we will continue to work together and that’s what I have said to the party. Put your house in order because at the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it’s the party that is losing.
“So those who are worried, we can work together to see how the party can remain a relevant opposition.”
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