Ignore Media Hype” – Soludo Reacts To Allegations Over Onitsha Market Shutdown

Governor Charles Soludo has defended the closure of certain markets in Anambra State by security and regulatory agencies, citing serious concerns over illicit drug activities.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Soludo clarified that his visit to the affected markets was purely interventionist, as drug-related enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government. His primary objective was to understand why markets adjacent to the drug hub were also shut down. During the visit, he learned from market leaders that authorities had uncovered shocking and disturbing evidence of counterfeit and banned drugs in some plumbing material shops.

The governor urged the public to dismiss the political narratives surrounding the market closures, emphasizing that the crackdown was necessary to combat the circulation of fake and controlled drugs.

His statement follows recent calls from the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who advocated for the reopening of the markets, arguing that innocent traders were being unfairly impacted. However, Soludo reiterated the importance of maintaining strict drug regulations and backed the federal agencies’ decision.

He also assured traders that swift action was being taken to allow business operations to resume in the plumbing materials market within ten days.

“In my visit to Ọgbọ Ọgwụ and adjoining markets in Onitsha, I sought to verify why markets close to the drug hub were also affected. Contrary to media sensationalism, market leaders confirmed that regulatory bodies made alarming discoveries of counterfeit and controlled substances hidden within plumbing material shops.

“It is concerning that globally banned drugs still find their way into our markets, passing through international and local checkpoints. This is a matter that federal authorities must address urgently,” Soludo stated.