By Nwabueze Okonkwo

Onitsha — Security men were yesterday drafted to the Onitsha Main Market following attempt by the APGA-led government to close the market for rally by its candidate, Mr. Willie Obiano.

According to sources, the traders were reportedly angered by the fact that the administration which had earlier banned political campaigns in the market tried to force them to close shops to receive its candidate for the November 16, governorship election in the state.

A source said that the confusion which followed the disagreement between APGA officials and the market traders ‘’marred the proposed visit of the APGA candidate in company of Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike, his campaign manager and commissioner for Information, Tourism and Culture at about 9am.’’

It was said that following the unsuccessful attempt to close the market, Obiano and his entourage later prayed with the traders during their morning devotion amid protests by some others who waved brooms, signifying that they would sweep the party out of power during the election. The broom is the official symbol of the APC which candidate is Dr. Chris Ngige.

Ngige’s supporters at the Main Market were later joined by others from Ose Okwodu Market who waved their brooms chanting solidarity songs for Ngige.

Eye witnesses told Vanguard that not even the arrival of Governor Peter Obi at the scene could deter the protesting traders, as the governor’s entourage was pelted with sachet water bags, prompting a quick retreat to Whitehouse Office of the Onitsha Amalgamated Traders Association, OMATA, where a donation of N1 million was announced by the governor.

Mr. John Okeke who was at the Airport/ Indian line in the market complained that APGA ought not to have tried to close the market as the government had earlier banned political campaigns in markets in the state.

Also, another trader who spoke on the condition of anonymity told Vanguard, ‘’we received an order by the government saying that we should not do business today, but we felt that it was not okay.

Another trader on home appliances, Mr. Fred Nebedum said in pidgin English, ‘’It is not by force to support a candidate. The worst is that he should come and say what he wants to do and others will also come. But it does not mean we will not do business for that.’’

APGA, however, denied the story in a statement last night insisting that traders in major markets across the Onitsha metropolis, including Ose- Okwodu, Bright Street, Main Market, Fegge and Bridge Head shut their shops to welcome and pledge support for Obiano.