The President of Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Markets Association, Hon Comrade Chinedu Ukatu ( fcism), has stated that the organization’s main objective is to protect the interest of the traders and support any policy of government that facilitates trade and moreso support any individual or government that protects its interest.
Ndigbo Amaka Progressive Markets Association, is the umbrella body of major market associations in Lagos.
In a press conference on Thursday in Lagos, Comrade Ukatu stated that the organization is concerned because its business interest will be badly affected as any negative body language would send a wrong signal to their international business partners which will negate their trade.
He disclosed that the press conference was to officially inform all, that the organization held its election on the 4th of May 2023 to usher in new Executives that will pilot the affairs of the Association for the next four years, adding that the election was free, transparent and credible.
Comrade Ukatu thanked the past executives, the leadership of various markets Associations affiliated to the great union for making it a success.
In his words, “May we use this opportunity to thank the Lagos state government ably led by our dear Executive Governor Mr Babajide Sanwo Olu for his support and cordial working relationship.
“At this juncture, we want to lend our voice to the state of the nation going forward. The General elections have come and gone, there are winners and losers but in all Nigeria wins. We are pleased that those who are dissatisfied with the process have approached the court for redress as stipulated by the constitution and we are happy with that rather than resort to anarchy and violence.
“This is highly commendable; we therefore call on politicians to eschew all forms of violence, intimidation that heats up the polity. We also call on the winners to allow those dissatisfied with the process to lawfully express it at the law courts and avoid any pre judicial comments and threats because its every one’s right to seek redress lawfully.
“We have been watching and keenly observed the intrigues, horse trading and power play going on with the election of the leadership of the 10th Assembly and we want to categorically say at this point, without fear of any contradiction that we are in solidarity and total support of Hon Barr Benjamin kalu ( MHR), Spokesperson of House of Representatives of the 9th Assembly and current aspirant for the office of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly.
“We can attest to his antecedents and he has the capacity to represent the South East as the slot has been zoned to South East by the leadership of the ruling party which is in the majority.
“We also want to thank the ruling party for recommending Hon Benjamin kalu for the position. We urge all members-elect of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly to give him the required solidarity to emerge without rancour.”
Comrade Ukatu maintained that the traders contribute meaningfully to the growth of the economy, and prayed for a smooth transition and implore the incoming government at all levels to provide an enabling environment for trade to thrive.