By George Ozalla
Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the alleged demand of ₦700,000 from traders to reopen their shops at the Onitsha Head Bridge Market. Obi described the action as “insensitive” and called on authorities to reconsider the charge.
“I recall visiting the Head Bridge Market during the initial phase of its closure, standing in support of the authorities to ensure our society is free from fake drugs and counterfeit goods,” Obi stated. 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 hardship on small business owners.
Obi expressed deep concern over the impact of such charges on small and medium-scale enterprises, pointing out that over 7 million Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises have collapsed in Nigeria in the past two years. “Our MSMEs are at a ‘we can’t breathe’ stage, and the very system that should be offering them oxygen to support their breathing is instead suffocating them,” he said.
Describing the demand for such payment as a form of “economic sabotage,” Obi urged relevant authorities to reconsider the decision in the interest of justice and economic recovery. “These shop owners have already endured prolonged closures, mounting unpaid bills, and economic strain. Adding further burdens to them and their families at this time is simply unjust,” he added.
Obi emphasized the need for compassion in government action, stating, “Compassion must lie at the root of government action.” He appealed to the authorities to review and drop the charge, allowing businesses to reopen without further delay.
