Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, has demanded for a two-year tax holiday from Soludo led Anambra State government for traders at Ogbo Ogwu Drug Market, Bridgehead, Onitsha following the prolonged and his poorly managed closure of the market that led to massive financial losses for the traders.
In a press release by Ukachukwu’s Media office, it is stated that, “It is on record that the Ogbo Ogwu Market was shut down for several months, disrupting business activities and crippling the livelihoods of thousands of hardworking Ndi Anambra who depend on this vital commercial hub. During this period, traders were forced to endured unquantifiable economic hardship, with many unable to meet their financial obligations or support their families.”
Even more alarming is the allegation that NAFDAC demanded a staggering N700,000 per shop from these traders before reopening the market, an act that has not been adequately addressed by the Soludo-led APGA government, which watched in silence as Ndi Anambra were squeezed for survival. This unacceptable inaction raises serious concerns about the administration’s commitment to protecting the economic rights and welfare of its citizens.
Despite this ordeal, the state government has resumed full tax collection from these traders, further compounding their hardship without offering any compensation or economic relief. This is not only unfair but grossly insensitive.
Prince Ukachukwu, a long-time advocate for traders and economic growth in Anambra, calls on Governor Charles Soludo and the Anambra State Government to immediately declare a two-year tax break for all traders in Ogbo Ogwu Market. This is the least the government can do to cushion the financial pain inflicted on these citizens due to poor intervention and lack of foresight in handling the market crisis.
It is time for governance that puts people first. Anambra deserves leadership that understands that traders are one of the key drivers of the state economy, and government should therefore be committed to empowering rather than punishing them.
Ukachukwu Will Do Better !
#UkachukwuWillDoBetter
Signed:
Ukachukwu Media Office All Progressives Congress (APC), Anambra State
