The standard flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mr. Oseloka Obaze, was on Wednesday, greeted by a mammoth crowd at the Onitsha main market when his campaign train made a stop at the market to woo voters for the November 18 governorship election.

The campaign, which kicked off at Bright Street and drew huge followership throughout the market with traders bemoaning the zero presence of the Willie Obiano government in the market insisting that his only achievement was to duplicate their taxes and his annual fireworks at the market on Christmas eve.

Speaking at Williams Street, Obaze told the crowd that the incumbent had squandered the N75 billion left behind by former Governor Peter Obi for his government, adding that the N455 billion approved by the State House of Assembly since 2014, had also been wasted.

According to the PDP candidate who is a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) “the government of Obiano had diverted ecological funds meant for the state and even borrowed over N60 billion with the populace at loss on where the money was spent.”

Obaze, a former United Nations official who grew up in Onitsha promised to lighten the burden of the traders in Onitsha if elected by building their roads and ensuring there are no multiple taxations in the state.

He recounted how as SSG he resolved the issue of multiple taxation in the Timber Market by instructing the then Commissioner for Finance to ensure the traders only pay an agreed fee monthly to a government account and are receipts duly issued.

Obaze further promised to ensure the dualisation of the 33 to Otuocha Road, which the incumbent has since abandoned.

In his speech, former Governor of the state Mr. Peter Obi lamented the poor performance of the incumbent listing all he did in his first tenure as Governor while challenging the incumbent to show his projects in Onitsha for Ndi Anambra to see.

He narrated how he had during his handover urged Governor Obiano to ensure the dualisation of 33 to Otuocha Road, completion of Amawbia to Umunya Express and Amawbia to Ekwulobia roads, all of which are still untouched till date.

“If he didn't work during his first term knowing he will seek for re-election, you can be sure he will be worse if he gets a second term,” he concluded.

Responding, a market leader hailed Obaze for his vision and previous service to the state.

He said that they will always stand where Peter Obi stands insisting that they are determined to oust Governor Obiano from seat.

He, however, begged the Global Policy Expert to help ensure that the dualisation of the 33 to Otuocha road is delivered as he promised as commuters spend over three hours daily navigating the traffic on the road.

He also pleaded that Obaze looks into the relentless harassment and alleged extortion of their customers by the Police, which he said has reduced their sales.

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