By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Government on Tuesday appointed and inaugurated an 11-man Caretaker Committee to pilot the affairs of Mgbuka Obosi Market in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The new appointment came on the heels of the postponement of all markets election by the state government following the leadership crisis that trailed the Importers' Association leadership election held February 29, 2023.

On a tip-off, the State government intervened and stopped the conduct of the election through ASMATA and the order to stop the election was forwarded to the association through the Chairman of Mgbuka Obosi Old Motor Spare parts market, Chief Samuel Ifurunwa, who presented the order to the association and the election stopped.

Inaugurating the Committee, the Present General of Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA Humphrey Anuna represented by the zonal chairman, Idemili Chief Emmanuel Obiagwu urged the Committee members to abide by their oath of office and avoid act capable of dragging them to ridicule.

He disclosed that the intervention of the government through ASMATA, saved what would have been a bloodbath among the members of the association of leadership crisis.

The 11 members include Chief Onyegiri Francis (Chairman), Nwosu Afam (vice Chairman), Egbunonu Amaechi (Secretary), Okonta Leonard (Assistant Secretary), and G.OC. Frank (Financial Secretary).

Others are Okeke Chikeke (Treasurer), Anaonye Valentine (Provost), Desmond Ubawuike (Assistant Provost), Ononuju Anayo (Member), and Umeakunne Vitus (Member).

Addressing the association prior to the inauguration of the committee members, at the ASMATA Secretariat in Onitsha, the ASMATA PG, told them that the intervention of the state government through ASMATA was not done out of malice, rather they should see it in good faith.

He said: "The intervention of the state government was not out of malice but in good faith. For now there is nothing like conduct of election in any market until further notice. Give support to the committee."

In his post inaugural speech, the new chairman, Chief Onyegiri Francis, expressed satisfaction with the timely intervention of the state government through A$MATA.

While describing government intervention as timely, he said it averted bloodbath that would have occurred.

Onyegiri added: "I commend Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, who through ASMATA, intervened because everyone was spoiling for a showdown over chairmanship of the association. It would have been a different story to tell.

"I pledge to restore peace and have an open door policy so that the association will move forward. We must abide by the state government directive."

In his speech, the President General of Ugwuagba Obosi community, Chief Chukwuemerie Igboka, thanked God for the intervention of the state government, saying that he has confidence on the caretaker committee to move the market forward.