By Jude Atupulazi
In what has been described as an act of true leadership, the Guber Candidate of the Young Progressives Party, YPP, Sir Paul Chukwuma, Tuesday, averted what could have led to a breakdown of law and order by personally driving into Onitsha Main Market to coax irate traders who were spoiling for war following the shooting of seven people by officials of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade).
Reports had it that the OCHA Brigade members had shot seven people in the market during their operation, with the police confirming one woman dead. This had angered the traders who went berserk, destroying things and setting vehicles ablaze and things would have escalated but for the prompt arrival of Sir Chukwuma who proceeded to calm the traders. Calm was gradually restored before the police moved in.
A trader who was at the scene but who pleaded anonymity, described Chukwuma’s action as statesmanly and a depiction of true leadership.
‘True leadership shines through empathy and Sir Chukwuma has once more shown us the traders what it means to truly lead,’ he said.
He regretted that the government of the state had enveloped Anambra in darkness, peddling cruelty and reckless disregard for people.
‘By driving into the market himself, he calmed agitated traders. His presence alone dissolved what could have turned to carnage,’ the trader stated.
He regretted that Gov Soludo had been condoning wickedness, losing touch with humanity, as those he described as Soludo’s touts spread fear.
His words, ‘While these government touts represent oppression, Chukwuma embodies compassion and true leadership.’
It will be recalled that Onitsha has been a hotbed of violent clashes between traders and such state government officials as SASA, known as Ndi Aka Odo; ASWAMA and OCHA Brigade, with some innocent people falling victim.
Not long ago, a former Deputy Chairman of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce and journalist, died after months in hospital following the beating he received from ASWAMA officials last year.
Another man known as Mgbilimgba, had his legs crushed with pestle-wielding government agents and has been in hospital since.
Such developments often trigger violent clashes between the traders and those government agents.
But despite widespread calls for their disbandment, the state government has continued to tolerate them.
