Onitsha Traders Accuse Soludo Aides of Approving Shops Before Demolition
Traders operating within the bustling Onitsha Main Market in Anambra state have made serious allegations against officials in Governor Chukwuma Soludo's administration. They claim that these government representatives previously granted them approval to construct shops in the same market that their own government later demolished. This controversy has ignited intense debate over market planning protocols and accountability for structures built within the main commercial hub.
Demolition Sparks Controversy and Accusations
On Sunday, March 1, the Anambra state government, acting through the Onitsha North local government area, commenced the demolition of specific sections of the Onitsha Main Market. Authorities stated that these structures were not constructed in alignment with the original master plan of the market. However, traders have countered this explanation with their own version of events.
A major stakeholder in the market, who requested anonymity for protection, asserted that the construction of the majority of shops demolished by the state government was actually approved by Honorable Patrick Aghamba, the current Commissioner for Youth Development, and Chief Evaristus Uba, the present Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets. According to the source, these approvals were granted when Aghamba and Uba held office as local government chairmen in 2016 and 1997 respectively.
The anonymous stakeholder expressed deep regret that when Governor Soludo was threatening to demolish the market, neither of the two officials came forward to defend the traders or offer them any assistance. This perceived abandonment has fueled resentment among the business community.
Government Officials Deny All Allegations
When contacted for comment, Special Adviser on Markets Evaristus Uba vehemently denied the traders' allegations, describing them as completely false. Uba stated, "The park in the market, which was the major place affected by the demolition, was there in existence when I served as chairman of Onitsha North LGA, and it remained in existence when I left. Nothing was built there during my tenure."
Uba further explained, "When the market suffered destruction by fire, I personally supervised the reconstruction efforts. During that reconstruction process, I did not permit any additional attachment shops to be built. Everything was constructed strictly in accordance with the master plan. I never gave approval for the construction of any shop in the park or anywhere else within the Onitsha Main Market."
The special adviser concluded with strong language, "How could anybody claim I gave approval to construct shops? That person must be speaking nonsense! The park has always been there, and nothing was built on it during my time in office."
Clarification on Authority and Documentation
Commissioner for Youth Development Patrick Aghamba also rejected the traders' claims when approached for his response. Aghamba clarified that the documents he provided to traders during his tenure as local government chairman were allocation papers for government stallage fees, not approval papers for the construction of shops and plazas as alleged.
Aghamba stated, "Local government authorities do not possess the power to approve the construction of shops in Onitsha Main Market. What I distributed as local government chairman were allocation papers for government stallage fees, not approval papers to build shops or any other structures in the market, because the local government lacks the authority to approve or construct any stall in the market."
The commissioner elaborated on the purpose of these allocation papers, saying, "The allocation papers I provided were based on shops traders already possessed or their established business areas. Wherever you conduct business, the government must issue you a location paper. Local government does not grant approval for shop construction. That authority rests solely with the state government."
Aghamba further explained the administrative process, "As a local government council, any market operating within our jurisdiction requires us to collect stallage fees from traders. The stallage paper we issued served as a profiling mechanism—to determine the number of shops, identify shop owners, and establish what each trader pays."
He challenged the traders directly, "Can they produce any documents showing where I gave them approval to construct shops? I only provided allocation papers for government stallage, nothing more."
Broader Context of Market Governance
This controversy emerges against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between market traders and state authorities. In a separate development, Governor Soludo recently ordered a one-week closure of Onitsha Main Market after traders ignored the state's Monday sit-at-home directive. Security agencies sealed the market to enforce compliance amid rising concerns about economic sabotage.
The governor issued a stern warning that the shutdown could potentially extend to one full month if traders continue defying official orders. This demonstrates the complex relationship between market governance, security considerations, and economic activity in Anambra state.
The demolition of shops and subsequent allegations highlight significant questions about:
- The clarity of approval processes for market constructions
- Communication between different levels of government
- Protection of traders' investments and livelihoods
- Long-term planning for market infrastructure development
- Accountability mechanisms for government decisions
As this situation continues to unfold, both traders and government officials await further developments that might clarify the conflicting narratives and potentially resolve the ongoing dispute over the demolished structures in Onitsha Main Market.
