Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has cautioned local authorities and market leaders against collecting levies from petty traders, especially those whose business capital is below N100,000.
Speaking at a political rally in Ekwulọbịa, Aguata Local Government Area, on Saturday, Soludo expressed displeasure over reports from Eke Market in Awgbu, where such illegal collections reportedly continue despite earlier government warnings.
“Do not collect levies from them anymore.
“Anyone who violates this directive will be arrested. We are committed to protecting the livelihoods of our small-scale traders,” the governor warned.
Using the occasion to mobilize grassroots support for his administration and re-election campaign, Soludo emphasized inclusive governance and described Ekwulọbịa as central to Anambra’s development plans.
He announced the establishment of a Town Planning Committee for Ekwulọbịa to oversee its transformation into a modern urban center comparable to Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi.
Highlighting his administration’s pro-poor policies, Soludo reiterated ongoing social initiatives such as free education, free antenatal care, and free delivery services for the underprivileged.
“This is no longer just a political movement; it’s a people’s movement. Ekwulọbịa has demonstrated resilience and loyalty, and I deeply appreciate that,” he said.
Community leaders and officials at the rally praised the governor’s developmental strides. Chief Joseph Okafor, a community elder, commended Soludo’s achievements in just three years, while Dr. Chibueze Offorbike, Chairman of Aguata LGA, said the area’s rapid transformation from rural to urban status reflected the governor’s leadership.
During the event, supporters presented an N80 million cheque to Governor Soludo and his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to bolster their campaign efforts.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Soludo said the party remained the vehicle for advancing Anambra’s progress.
He recalled his previous visits to markets across Anaocha LGA, Oye Aguluzuigbo, Oye Ichida, Oye Obeledu, and Oye Nimo, where he interacted directly with traders to understand their challenges.
“The marketplace is where everyday lives unfold. It’s where real governance begins,” he remarked.
The Governor was accompanied by senior officials, including Principal Secretary Joachin Anaeto, Chief of Staff Ernest Ezeajughi, and Chief of Protocol and Deputy Chief of Staff Chinedu Nwoye, alongside Anaocha LGA Chairman Romanus Ibekwe and a large turnout of party supporters.
(Daily Gazette)
