By Uzo Ugwunze
The Conflict Resolution Committee of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders' Association (ASMATA), led by Chief Eric Uwaoma (Chairman) and Comrade Peter Okala (Secretary), issued a statement on Thursday, urging faceless petitioners against ASMATA's President General (PG), Chief Hon. Humphrey Anuna, to reconsider their position. The committee stressed that the petition would not impede Anuna's efforts to uplift the State's traders.
The committee reminded the
petitioners that it was under the leadership of the current PG that peace was
restored for the first time, and the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) base
increased in all the state's markets. Previously, funds generated were funneled
into private pockets.
In a response petition
addressed to the faceless petitioners, shared with the media in Onitsha, the
committee stated, "The attention of the office of the Peace And Conflict
Resolution Committee, ASMATA, has been drawn to a Praise publication to the
President General, Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association ASMATA,
from one Mr. Oliver Nwachukwu and his faceless organization, called 'Anambra
Traders Ambassador and Anambra State Traders Stakeholders.' They allegedly
accused Anuna of collaborating with an employee of the Anambra State Government
to divert funds belonging to the State Government and 3% incentives for ASMATA
executives."
"While the praise
publication in some social media should have been ignored, the motivation it
provides for the individuals and the association mentioned in the allegedly
unsubstantiated allegations cannot be overlooked," the committee added.
The committee further
highlighted the false and malicious nature of the allegations, asserting that
they indicated the defeat of the opposition and falsehoods in Anambra State.
They emphasized the commendable efforts of the State Government in combating
financial malfeasance, leading to an improvement in IGR from three hundred
million naira (#300m) to three billion naira (#3bln) solely from traders in
Anambra State.
The committee called on the
faceless opposition organization to acknowledge the transparent and accountable
leadership of ASMATA and Chief Humphrey Chikwudi Anuna. They encouraged the
opposition to focus on the 97% of the total IGR remitted to the state
government, instead of fixating on the 3% incentives.
In conclusion, the ASMATA Peace
and Conflict Resolution Committee urged the faceless opposition organization to
refrain from baseless accusations and celebrate the success achieved in
maintaining peace in 85% of the state's markets. They invited Governor Soludo
to celebrate the defeat of the opposition and honor the ASMATA leadership with
a merit award as motivation to continue their commendable work. The committee
affirmed ASMATA's commitment to partnering with the government in fostering a
prosperous trading environment.
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