… Reaffirms endorsement for Sanwo-olu’s re-election
Contrary to claims by a political group known as G50, the leadership of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association has dissociated the association and its affiliate members from the activities of the G50 or any other group dropping its name or the names of its affiliate members for their political and economic interests.
In a statement signed by Chief Dr. Jude Ringo Okeke and Hon. Chinedu Ukatu, President and Secretary of Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association and 24 others, the group disclosed that the G50 had been portraying the association as an affiliate member of the group describing the claim as untrue.
It added that the statement had became necessary to alert the Governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the trading and the general public on the activities of a newly formed group called G50 as it concerns the market leaders.
While explaining that Ndigboamaka was the umbrella body of major market associations with 58 major market associations as affiliates, it said, “The G50 group is a coalition of major Igbo groups as claimed by its facilitators but it is imperative to state here that Market Associations affiliated to our association are not members of G50 and have no alliance whatsoever with the group.
“The group claimed to be an Igbo campaign group for our Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Ollu. May we seize this opportunity to remind all that our Association (Ndigboamaka) was the first organisation to publicly endorse Mr. Governor for a second term on the 5th of May, 2022 and has remained committed to that objective.
“We wish to state that Ndigboamaka Association is not averse to having a working relationship with regards to the re-election of our Governor but such group or organisation must be in tandem with the vision and objectives of our Association as regards such endeavour.
“We also want to let his Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu to know that we have never for once sat with anybody in the name of ‘G50’ for any meeting / discussion, therefore we disassociate ourselves from anyone or group that drops the name of our Association or its members as their members.
“The G50 can go ahead with their sensitisation and mobilisation of Igbos for our dear Governor for a second term in office, as we already have our own programme regarding the subject matter and are also putting all machineries on ground with our members in the markets and will not hesitate to liaise with Mr. Governor once we need his attention.”
The group, however, pleaded with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to feel free to reach the association through its Secretariat whenever its attention was needed and based on what it represents.
It continued, “We reiterate that we are chasing same goal but with different ideologies. The G50 does not have the interest of the Market Unions at heart and therefore, cannot be in alliance with us or speak for us.
“Ndigboamaka Progressive markets Association is a trade union not a political group, but we align with his Excellency, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu based on our constitutional stipulation that the association shall associate with any group, person or political party who are ready and committed to protecting the interest of the trading public .
“This information is meant to give clarity to all gray areas regarding our stand and to also warn whoever that wants to play the role of an impostor or drag our Association/Market leaders names to the mud.
“We are unapologetically loyal to our dear Governor and looking forward to further engagements with Mr. Governor on the welfare and interest of the Market Associations.”
Affiliate members who co-signed the statement include: Nze Basil E. Osuokwu, National Coordinator; Chief Tochukwu Ezeani, Vice President; Sir Mike Enendu, Treasurer/President, Article Dealers Association; Amb. Charles Okafor, Financial Secretary; Chief Tony Okeke, Welfare/President Mandillas International Trade Centre, Trade Fair; Barr Ugo Ewelaku, Legal Adviser; Chief Eric Ilechukwu, President, Association of Progressive Traders (APT), Trade Fair/ Chairman of all Stakeholders in Trade Fair and Hon. Bro. Leo Ogbonnia, Secretary, CTC BBA Trade Fair.
Others include: Chief Eze Ifeoma, Vice President,African Tyre Village; Mr. Dennis Igboanugo, President, Agric Coker Building Material; Chief Jude Nwankwo; President General, Ladipo International Market; Mr. Africanus Ogudoro, Secretary General, Ladipo International Market; Comr. Obinna Obichukwu; President RADA Lawanson; Mr. Clement Molokwu, Chairman, Association of Fashion Wear Dealers, Lagos Island and Mr. Marcel Ozonweke, Chairman, Weavon and Hair Dealers Lagos.
Also on the list are: Mr. Ejike Ogbonnia, Chairman, United Cosmetics Dealers, Lagos Island, Nze Marcel Okezue, President, Electrical Dealers Association, Alaba International; Hon. Vincent Ikwueze, Chairman, Olojo Drive Traders Association, Alaba International; ,Hon. Mbonu Geoffry, President, FFDA Alaba/President General, Alaba Amalgamated Traders Association; Chief Ify Ogamba, President Abule Ado Building Materials Dealers; Prince Tony Nwakeze, President, Computer Village Ikeja; Mr. Augustine Omenyi, Chairman United Bizmen and Women Lagos Island and Nze Chris Oraukwu, President, Phone Dealers Association, Lawanson.
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