By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The President-General of Bridge-Head Markets Traders Association, an umbrella association of all the markets at Onitsha Bridge-Head, Mr Sunday Obinze, has finally bowed out of office,

This is coming on the heels of the inauguration of the association’s Board of Trustees (BOT) constituted to run the affairs of the densely populated market.

The market had, for close to six years, been engulfed in leadership tussle as a cross-section of traders and elders were allegedly sidelined by Obinze-led administration.

Information has it that the embattled former market leader experienced difficult moments as some members of his executives, BOT members and some concerned traders accused him of high-handedness, corruption and running the affairs of the association like a private enterprise.

In an interview shortly after the event, the Commissioner’s representative, Mr. Obianyo, admitted the peaceful conduct of the inauguration of the BOT.

Though the ousted President-General was absent, his Vice, Sunday Alagboso, represented him at the occasion.

In their separate speeches, the Chairman of Bridge-Head Markets Traders Association, Chief Emeka llonze, and Secretary, Chukwudi Ekwueme, said that the occasion called for celebration as the State Government has directed the BOT to take over leadership to right the wrongs committed against traders in the market.

A major stakeholder in the market, Sir. Peter Okala, on his part, expressed confidence in the new administration and commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and the Commerce, Trade and Industry Commissioner, Dr. Ngonadi, for their wisdom in taking the right decision.

He described the out-gone leadership of the market as an “illegitimate leadership”

The former Vice-chairman, Mr. Alagboso who spoke on behalf of his former boss, admitted his commitment to the formal hand-over ceremony which has been scheduled for next week.