As various groups call on Gov. Theodore Orji to run for senate in 2015, Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) have lent their support by appealing to the governor to heed the call as he remains the best choice of the people.
Speaking during a courtesy visit on the governor at Government House, Umuahia, the traders who spoke through their President, Chief Christian Nwabani commended the governor for his legacy projects scattered across the state and added that with the governor’s achievements in office, he remains the most qualified for the task of representing Abia Central zone in the Senate.
The traders lauded the governor for providing a conducive environment for commercial activities to thrive through the provision of infrastructure in the various markets.
“The uninterrupted free flow of trade and investments in the state we enjoy today is because of the security challenges in Abia State which you have addressed. The fair tax policy, which you have introduced, has encouraged us greatly in our daily activities.”
He also appealed to the governor to provide vehicles to the Association and major markets in the state to enable them function effectively and help in the provision of access roads to markets.
The traders also appreciated the governor’s approval granted to Ariaria International Market to enable them tackle the lingering flood problem in the market.
In his response, Gov. Orji thanked the traders for the visit and assured that the prevailing peace and security being enjoyed in the state would be sustained until the end of his tenure.
According to him, “Your visit to Government House today shows that you appreciate the good things we have been doing. It indicates that I am doing well .Your visit will ever remain indelible in my mind. I want to assure you that we will continue to fight kidnapping and insecurity in the state until it is finally eliminated. Our efforts in keeping the state safe will impact in your business as it will grow and you will reap the dividends of democracy. You cannot enjoy the dividends of democracy in an insecure environment so therefore the security we have given you is paramount.
“The change we are bringing in the market sector will remain evergreen even when I have left the scene. I have attracted three markets in Umuahia namely the New Umuahia Market, New Umuahia Industrial Market and New Umuahia Motor Spare Parts Market and two in Aba, which are the New Aba Motor dealers and spare parts markets, Aba Mega Mall and Osisioma Ngwa Industrial Market.”
He urged the traders to disregard the rumour being peddled by mischief-makers that the government had concluded arrangements to move Ariaria International Market to another site, adding that two additional markets has been attracted to Aba to address the needs of large number of traders while three more markets were attracted to Umuahia..
While commending the governor, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in the state, Chief Chisom Nwanmuo commended the governor for his giant strides in the state stressing that the traders were grateful to the governor for his support to them.
