By Sunny A. David, Onitsha
Seventy-six market associations in Anambra State have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate for the November 8 election, pledging their full support for his candidacy.
The event, held on Saturday at the All Saints Church field in Onitsha, saw traders from across the state unite to declare their endorsement of the Ukachukwu/Ekwunife ticket.
Speaking at the ceremony, the leader of the market associations, Nze Theo Obiora, said the MoU outlines the traders’ expectations should Ukachukwu emerge victorious. These include tackling insecurity, eliminating multiple taxation, ending harassment by illegal tax collectors (known as Aka-Odo), and abolishing caretaker committees imposed on market unions.
Obiora said the traders had endured “unbearable hardship” under the current administration, which they accused of stifling businesses through excessive levies and poor governance.
Expressing gratitude to Ukachukwu for agreeing to the terms of the MoU, the traders pledged to mobilize massively in support of his candidacy.
Also in attendance were members of the “Imolites” group residents of Imo State living in Anambra led by Mrs. Callista Nwachukwu, a former Ogbaru council chairman. The group also endorsed Ukachukwu, citing frustration over multiple taxes and economic hardship in the State.
In his response, Prince Ukachukwu promised to run an inclusive government that would prioritize security, stable electricity supply, and industrial revitalization if elected.
“My administration will make security a top priority because safety is essential for investment and growth,” he stated. “We are also planning a 24-hour power supply through a gas plant project in Omasi, Ayamelum Local Government Area, to revive moribund industries and attract new ones.”
He added that the APC government would create jobs, boost commerce, and introduce scholarship schemes for students across the state.
Ukachukwu urged traders and residents to vote en masse for the APC on November 8, assuring them that their support would bring the desired change and good governance to Anambra State.
