Groups condemn closure of markets in Anambra yesterday ---as CLO says relocation of Boko Haram to Aguata prison devilish onslaught on Ndigbo

www.odogwublog.com reports that the closure of markets in 21 local government areas of Anambra state on Thursday as instructed by the leadership of Amalgamated Traders Association of Anambra state has been condemned by two Civil Society Organizations in the state, the Transform Nigeria Movement (TNM) and the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO).
 The two groups said it was unwarranted and uncalled for to call off poor traders who depended on daily income to survive out of the markets without putting them into the picture.
According to the Coordinator Transform Nigeria Movement (TNM) and leader of the 20 villages in Awka capital territory, Comrade Obi Ochije. He said the second closing of the markets in Anambra is baseless and unnecessary as it has frustrated the businesses of poor people especially those dealing on perishables.
Ochije a market leader too in Awka angry with the second closure of markets in the state Thursday after it was shut last Saturday said the market leaders are selfish and inconsiderate  insisting ‘’enough is enough, markets should not close again because of this Boko Haram issue. We the traders and civil society groups have made our stand known and it is not by closing our markets that the Federal government will hear us…..’’.
He queried why the civil servants did not stay at home too and the transporters while traders shut their shops last Saturday and Thursday again….since President Buhari only on Wednesday assured that the 47 inmates would be relocated should have been given some grace period before further protests and closure of the markets.
Ochije insisted that the closure was anti-poor and anti progress as many traders depended on their perishable goods to survive the hard economy and without notice , markets are announced to be closed by South East President of Markets Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo and his Secretary Chuma Eruchalu in what could be best described as conspiracy between them and their sponsors. He even mentioned Governor Willie Obiano to be sponsoring them and asked the leaders and Obiano to be considerate in taking decisions that would affect thousands of people.  
‘’Nobody is against closing the market when there is need but this one is not supposed to be under one week traders have closed shops twice not voluntarily but compulsory  and I am asking Governor Obiano to be on top of the game as the advisers are not advising well………’’
On its part, the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) Anambra State Branch led by Comrade Aloysius Emeka Attah. He said: ‘’ the continuous closure of markets in Anambra State in the name of protests for the relocation of Boko Haram suspects in Anambra should stop forthwith. The traders have made a statement through their shut down of markets and peaceful protests of Saturday July 27th 2015.  The continuous/incessant closure of markets on the order of the central market leaders without any consultation on the traders and their separate unions with its attendant economic implications is undemocratic and smacks of high handedness coated with ulterior motives.

Attah further said ‘’While we welcome the reported meeting between the state government and a federal government delegation over the issue, we call on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgent national attention, return the Boko Haram detainees to their former base while putting in motion machinery for confidence building and damage control on the psyche of Ndigbo.
Government should intensify its efforts in combating terrorism and endeavor to subject any it’s actions and policy statements/ directions to proper scrutiny before execution in line with the public opinion gauge to avoid frequent somersaults and reversals.


Anambra CLO Boss further said: ‘’ This act which happened barely few hours after the traders in Anambra State shut down all markets in the state in protest over the purported relocation has attracted widespread condemnation and more protests from several groups and platforms.
It is our position in the Anambra State Branch of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) that against all intents and purposes which the federal government of Nigeria can give, the relocation of such breed of suspects to Anambra State is illogical, ill-conceived, detrimental to the Nigerian and Igbo society and uncalled for.
We view such act as a continued onslaught against Ndigbo in the Nigerian project. It is the height of government miscalculation and the mockery of a unique and much endowed race now taunted as a conquered territory.
Bringing Boko Haram suspects here will compound and escalate the issue of terrorism instead of taming the scourge. The detainees also while here have been denied access to justice since the courts in Anambra have no jurisdiction to try them.
‘’Their presence here in the state has heightened the fear of insecurity among the citizens and the people are psychologically scared already.
We commend all the individuals, the clergy, groups and associations that have spoken up in condemnation of the federal government action.

Forty five years after the fratricidal Nigeria Civil War where millions of Ndigbo were massacred with utter savagery and no mercy, the Igbos despite the proclamation of the famous three Rs have remained the most endangered species on planet earth.
In the Nigerian political configuration, they are treated as second class citizens. In the allocation of federal projects they ‘carry last ‘  while at the slightest break of ethnic riots or unrest in the North, they become the first target often resulting in monumental loss of lives and properties.
In the wake of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, Ndigbo have suffered calamitous losses as their fine breeds who have domiciled in the North for many years have been mowed down in droves. In Anambra State, Adazi Nnukuwu and Umunnachi to be precise, monuments of several caskets brought back in dozens, all victims of Boko Haram litter the communities. The surviving family members of such victims have remained disillusioned, scattered and psychologically traumatized.
‘’In the All Progressives Congress (APC) change mantra which culminated in the inauguration of Muhammed Buhari as Nigeria’s President on May 29th 2015, Ndigbo just like other Nigerians had (have) high expectations that our Eldorado has come.

Photo depiction with Ochije in middle speaking to newsmen on strip