Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to the presidents of various market unions and motor park leaderships in specific local government areas.
The governor’s declaration, made during the launch of the Anambra Ant-Tout Squad in Onitsha, emphasized his administration’s zero-tolerance stance on the presence of touts and their exploitative activities targeting innocent traders.
Governor Soludo’s decision, prompted by the escalating reports of rampant touting and harassment within the markets, aims to deter leaders from fostering a conducive environment for such unlawful practices. Expressing deep concern for the well-being of the trading community, he underscored the imperative need to eradicate the culture of intimidation and exploitation perpetuated by these miscreants.
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As a decisive measure, the governor stated that the tenure of the current market leaders in five affected local government areas – Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Oyi, Ogbaru, and Idemili North – would not be renewed upon its conclusion in March next year if the persistent menace of touts persists. Governor Soludo’s resolute stance indicates a proactive approach towards restoring peace and security within the state’s commercial hubs.
Observing the absence of the market leaders during his visit, Soludo inquired: “Where are the market leaders? Mr President where are your colleagues in the market ? “
He added:
“They are supposed to be here. All the same, you know that your tenure would end in March next year and come April 1st next year, we are not going to renew your tenures because of what the touts are doing in the markets and some of you are using those touts to rip off innocent traders and members of the public and make money.
“I want to make it clear that if any tout is found in your markets, we are not going to renew your tenures and all of you will be sacked.
“We have five local government areas where these touts operate, which are Onitsha North and South, Oyi , Ogbaru and Idemili North and I had announced that those petty traders should not pay tax or any levy at all, but the market leaders use the touts to obtain money from them.”
Soludo reflected on the previous inflow of businesspersons from Northern and other regions to Onitsha, yet bemoaned the detrimental impact on the local economy and Anambra State at large, owing to the disruptive activities of touts.
In a separate address, Chief Chikodi Anarah, the Commissioner for Homeland Matters, sternly cautioned all touts in Anambra State to vacate the state immediately, emphasizing the government’s firm stance against any form of touting across the entire region.
He further affirmed that the Anti-Tout Squad’s operations would persist until the complete eradication of touting from the state, with a stern warning that individuals found loitering in the parks without a legitimate and visible source of income would face legal consequences.
Mr Emeka Orji, Chairman of Onitsha South local government area, representing the five council chairpersons, pledged full cooperation with the newly established task force to eliminate touting in the area. He disclosed the ongoing struggle against touts and expressed optimism about the progress already achieved through their concerted efforts.