Traders at the Ugwuoba cattle market in Oji River local government area of Enugu state have threatened a showdown with both the local and Enugu state governments over alleged interference in the election of the leadership of the market union.
As a result, the traders have threatened that they would stop paying levies, rates and taxes to the local and state governments unless they are allowed to conduct election of their union.
The traders under the aegis of Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) in a release issued by their chairman, Alhaji Buba Garba and secretary, Aminu Ahmed, respectively urged the state governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi to prevail on the chairman of Oji River local government, Hon. Harrison Ekeke, to allow them conduct their election without any interference.
They threatened that if after the end of November the election is not conducted, “we will not pay any revenue …as it will please the entire market to run our businesses in a way that will please us.”
“We appeal to His Excellency, the executive governor of Enugu state to intervene on the matter to allow the market elect the leader of our choice by due process.
“Let the local government chairman desist from causing problem directly or indirectly in our affairs because they are looking for leadership of northern community in the state by any means.
“We are confident that your quick intervention will bring peace and tranquillity in the market,” the statement said.
