The National Association of Nigeria Traders (NANTS) in Anambra State on Tuesday denied the speculation that it has endorsed a candidate for the November 18, 2017 governorship election.

In a statement made available to journalists in Awka and signed by its state Chairman, Obi Egbuna, the group said it had no interest in any party but in a person with the right pedigree to rule Anambra.

NANTS said it was carrying its objective evaluation and assessment of all the candidates in the race to ascertain their pedigree, achievements as well as credibility, integrity and capacity to run the affairs of the state if elected.

NANTS however commended Chief Willie Obiano administration’s commitment and effort towards protecting the lives and properties of citizens and resident in the state.

The statement reads: “That Anambra traders has not endorsed any political party or candidate in the forthcoming Governorship election in Anambra State in November 2017, as our endorsement is never done in secret.

“At the moment, NANTS Anambra chapter is carrying our objective evaluation and assessment of all the candidates in the race to ascertain their pedigree and achievements, as well as credibility, integrity and capacity to run the affairs of an important and strategic state like Anambra.

“Anambra traders will endorse the candidate that demonstrates the capacity to develop and transform Anambra State economically, socially and otherwise, as we will not allow our state to drift to retrogression after the forthcoming governorship We acknowledge advances being made to traders by various candidates to the November governorship election, but NANTS will only make its endorsement public after all the verification and assessments are concluded.

“The next Anambra Governor that NANTS will throw its weight behind, will be a true son of Anambra that will ensure equitable distribution of offices, portfolios, resources, investments, amenities, etcetera and also treat every indigene and non-indigene of our state with fairness and good conscience.

“We shall use all legitimate resources at our disposal to stop any attempt by fraudulent character from nearing the exalted office of Governor of Anambra state and we will synergise and work with individuals and groups of like minds to enthrone the best candidate as Governor in Anambra State.

“We finally, urge traders and our teeming members in Anambra State to remain resolute to our commitment to equity, justice, development and human capacity building in our state and also await the final pronouncement from the state headquarters of NANTS on the chosen candidate that NANTS will support to lead the people of Anambra for the next four years as our Governor.”

NANTS further condemned the continued harassment of their members, and hawkers in various markets and streets by some illegal revenue agents, despite the state government pronouncement and directives stopping the unpatriotic activities of fake revenue agents in the markets.

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