Anambra Traders Mark Soludo Endorsement With ₦10m Logistics Support
Traders across Anambra State, under the umbrella of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association (ASMATA), have formally endorsed Governor Chukwuma Soludo for a second term in office.
The endorsement rally, which held at the Justice Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium, Onitsha, was tagged “A Day of Celebration with Anambra Traders in Appreciation of Soludo’s Good Work”. During the event further demonstrated with closure of all major markets across the state, the traders also presented the governor with ₦10 million as logistics support for his re-election campaign ahead of the November 8, 2025 governorship poll.
ASMATA President-General, Chief Humphrey Anuna (Ogwundiafia), said the association’s decision was anchored on the governor’s performance in security, infrastructure and governance.
“We, traders in the state, have benefited immensely from Soludo’s policies. Insecurity is now at zero per cent and our markets are thriving. Soludo is not contesting with anybody, and come November 8 he will achieve 21/21 again,” Anuna declared.
Other speakers, including patrons, Chief Jude Nwankwo (Eze Udo) and Chief Jude Agumadu (Baby Awka), highlighted Soludo’s interventions in waste management, agriculture and the clampdown on touts. Nwankwo recalled that insecurity once forced him to relocate to Asaba, but said he returned because of Soludo’s Homeland Security initiative.
“Traders will suffer if Soludo is not re-elected. Eighty per cent of Anambra residents are traders, and the governor has given us a sense of safety and dignity,” Nwankwo said.
Market leaders also cited road and bridge projects, including the rehabilitation of Niger Street/Sokoto Road and the Nwangene River Bridge, as proof of the governor’s commitment. They credited his appointees in the market sector with restoring order and “lost glory” in commercial areas.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer, Bethel Luxury Housing Enterprise, Mr Emmanuel Chiedozie, spoke assured the governor that the support of ASMATA for his re-election bid was total and not negotiable in appreciation of the value his good governance had added to businesses in the state.
Mr Chidozie emphasised the need for Andi Anambra to reciprocate the gesture of beneficial administration of Governor Soludo and urged them to demonstrate it at the poll come November 8, for the governor’s second term in office to sustain the gains.
He further thanked the governor for creating enabling environment for industries to thrive and used the opportunity to sensitise the people on the need for them to utilise the ease of owning landed property initiative provided by bethel luxury housing enterprise.
In his reaction, the Governor Soludo appreciated the CEO of bethel luxury housing enterprise and urged him to “keep the flag flying”. He also assured the CEO of bethel luxury that the government would collaborate with the company to secure their own plots of land as a way of encouraging investment growth in the state.
Responding, Governor Soludo expressed gratitude for the endorsement and financial contribution, describing the traders as vital partners in his administration.
He stressed that his government had undertaken major reforms without borrowing, and announced plans to centralise revenue collection.
“From next month, all levies will be paid directly to the state government. Multiple taxation will end. Anybody asking for cash is a thief,” the governor declared.
He recalled transforming Onitsha’s Ochanja Roundabout, once a mountain of refuse, into a water fountain, and vowed that remnants of touting still operating would be flushed out by the Special Anti-Touting Squad of Anambra (SASA).
While acknowledging that the November election was open to all aspirants, Soludo said he “will not take the polls for granted”. He thanked the traders for their ₦10m support, pledging to deepen partnerships for the progress of Anambra.
Chairmen of Onitsha Drug Market, Sokoto and Haruna Streets Markets, among others, opined that Soludo had no credible challenger, insisting his projects and reforms had guaranteed him victory.
“We have only one party in the state — APGA — with Soludo as our leader. He is God-sent and will win again,” said Chief Ndubuisi Chukwuleta, chairman of the Drug Market.
The rally was attended by market leaders from across the state who said they willingly shut their shops in solidarity with the governor’s second-term bid.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication with Second Class(Upper Division) at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
