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Again, Anambra Iron Rod Dealers Appeal to Soludo to Intervene in Leadership Crisis

Some traders in the Iron Rod Dealers Union, Atani Road, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, have once again appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to prevail on their former chairman, Chief Nnaemeka Onuzululike, to render an account of his stewardship and hand over plots of land they had paid for at Nteje in Oyi Local Government Area.

Addressing journalists in Onitsha for the second time in a month, the traders also called on the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evaristus Uba, to urge the governor to intervene before the situation escalates.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Jude Mbadugha, a former Public Relations Officer of the union during Onuzululike’s first tenure (2013–2017), emphasized the need for Governor Soludo’s intervention to prevent further crises, which could lead to violence.

According to Mbadugha, the traders had reported the matter to the Special Adviser on Trade and Markets, the State House of Assembly, and other authorities, but Chief Onuzululike has yet to account for his leadership and hand over the plots of land they paid for, as opposed to shops.

Allegations Against Onuzululike and Officials

The traders accused the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Commerce, Trade, and Markets, Mr. Samuel Chinedu Ike, of compromising his position by siding with Onuzululike. They alleged that Ike received critical documents meant for the new leadership but handed over fake documents while making the traders sign that they had received the originals.

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They further claimed that Ike blocked the State House of Assembly from mediating in the crisis by misleading members into believing the matter was sub judice.

“Virtually all avenues to seek justice have been shut, which is why we are resorting to the media to bring this matter to the court of public opinion,” Mbadugha stated.

The traders also warned individuals against purchasing plots or shops at the so-called Nteje International Market, as the land is under litigation (Suit No: AT/46/2919). They alleged that the use of the term “International Market” was a ploy to lure unsuspecting buyers, as no court order has vacated the injunction restraining activities on the disputed land.

Onuzululike’s Response

In his reaction, Chief Nnaemeka Onuzululike dismissed the allegations, stating that they were baseless and aimed at tarnishing his legacy. He asserted that he had addressed these issues during an earlier press briefing.

Onuzululike challenged his accusers to present evidence refuting his claim of constructing over 450 shops in the Nteje market. “If they claim I did not build up to 450 shops, they should tell the public how many shops I built or whether I built any at all,” he said.

He accused the aggrieved traders of sabotaging reconciliation efforts at various stages, including interventions by the Iron Rod Dealers Union Elders’ Committee, a 22-man market committee, and the leadership of the eight markets contributing to the Nteje project.

“At every stage when reconciliation efforts were not going in their favor, they would withdraw, insisting that the process was biased,” he added.

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Onuzululike alleged that the traders’ grievances stemmed from his refusal to give them unrestricted access to the union’s finances.

Officials’ Responses

When contacted for comments, Permanent Secretary Samuel Chinedu Ike dismissed the traders’ claims, stating, “Don’t mind them. I advised you to meet with the new chairman to confirm their allegations.”

Efforts to reach the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Chief Evaristus Uba, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to inquiries about his role in resolving the crisis.

The aggrieved traders remain adamant that only Governor Soludo’s intervention can resolve the matter and restore peace to the union.

 

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