Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has condemned the alleged demand of ₦700,000 from traders to reopen their shops at the Onitsha Head Bridge Market, describing the action as “insensitive” and calling on authorities to reconsider the charge.
Obi said this on X this Tuesday, as he recalled his earlier visit to the market during the initial phase of its closure, saying he supported the regulatory authorities, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, in their efforts to rid society of fake drugs and counterfeit goods.
He explained that his support was based on the understanding that investigations would be conducted quickly and the market reopened in a timely manner to reduce the hardship on small business owners,
He says it is therefore unfortunate to learn that shop owners are now being asked to pay ₦700,000 to reopen their stores describing the demand for such payment as a form of “economic sabotage”.
He urged relevant authorities to be compassionate and reconsider the decision in the interest of justice and economic recovery.