By Kamsi Anayo
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state, has ordered the arrest of the Acting President General, Caretaker Committee of Bridgehead Market, Onitsha, Chief Chinedu Ezekwike.
A source close to the market said Ezekwike was arrested on Thursday by Police from Fegge Division on the orders of the governor.
It was gathered that the governor was infuriated by the commencement of the rebuilding of the shops razed down in November this year during the explosion of chemicals at Onitsha Drug Market
The chairman of Onitsha South Local Government Area who led the team for the arrest was said to have stopped the work at the site on Wednesday.
But Ezekwiike was said to have asked the workers to continue with the work, leading to the order for his his arrest on Thursday.
Efforts to bail the President General Thursday night failed as the Divisional Policer (DPO), Fegge, Rabiu Garuba was said to have turned down the request on the ground that he has not received directive from the governor to set him free.
Last Tuesday the traders whose shops were burnt down were jubilant as work for the rebuilding of the shops commenced .
The market was razed down on Nov. 8, 2022, following explosions whose cause was yet to be ascertained.
The traders had wanted to commence work earlier but were halted to allow permission from the State Government.
This had caused agitation among traders but Tuesday the President-General of the market, Ezekwiuke flagged off the reconstruction of the shops.
Laying the foundation of the reconstruction, Ezekwuike who is also the Akweke of Umuchu thanked God for making the project possible.
He said it was only God who made it possible, commending Governor Soludo for having listening ears to the yearnings of the traders.
He also lauded the traders for their patience at a time it seemed almost impossible for the work to start.
Our source said that governor Soludo does not want the market to be rebuilt as wants he wants to turn it into motor park since the entire Drug market would be relocated to Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area next year.
But some are asking where would the traders be earning their living before the relocation.
