Chief Okoro to Soludo: I’m Targeted Because I’m Not an Indigene
Chief Obiora Okoro,Chairman Ozomagala building materials traders association
By Eche Nwaobasi – Nnewi
Chief Obiora Okoro, the embattled Chairman of the Ozomagala Building Materials Traders Association, Modebe Family Plazas, Ozomagala Street, Odoakpu, Onitsha, has cried out to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to personally intervene in his case.
Chief Okoro pleaded with the governor to investigate what he described as false allegations leveled against him by the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Chief Evaristus Uba.
He alleged that Chief Uba unilaterally removed him from office based on unfounded accusations, despite being the democratically elected chairman of the union.
According to Okoro, his entire executive committee was also unlawfully dissolved and replaced with a caretaker committee largely composed of individuals who are not members of the association, even though the market operates privately within the Modebe Family’s property and is not government-owned.
Speaking to journalists from his office at the Modebe Family Plazas, Ozomagala Street, Odoakpu, Onitsha, yesterday, Chief Okoro described the ongoing leadership crisis as deeply distressing and divisive, having split the union into two warring factions.
“This problem has weighed heavily on my heart,” “My detractors have deliberately subjected me to all kinds of blackmail and character assassination. They have painted me as corrupt, all because they want to remove me at all costs simply because I am not from Anambra State.”he lamented.
He further pleaded with Governor Soludo to intervene personally, insisting on his innocence.
“I don’t know why they are spreading these false allegations that I embezzled government funds or that I am corrupt. I beg you, Gov. Soludo, to investigate this matter personally and ascertain the truth. My hands are clean. Since my election, I have never engaged in any form of corruption. The traders who elected me still have confidence in me. This is the handiwork of a few malicious individuals in government and within the union who are determined to remove me because they do not want a non-indigene to lead a private market. Our association is not a government market it belongs to the Modebe Family, who own the plazas we operate in.”he added.
Raising his voice in frustration, he declared:“I am ready to face any independent panel set up by the government to conduct a transparent and unbiased investigation. My hands are clean. These people are trying to destroy my hard-earned reputation. Governor Soludo, please come to my rescue.”
Chief Okoro who also spoke on the emotional and psychological trauma he has endured as a result of the accusations. He referred journalists to the report of the Conflict Resolution Committee established by the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) the umbrella body for all traders in the state.
The committee had investigated the lingering leadership crisis in the Ozomagala Building Materials Traders Association and submitted its report on October 15, 2024.
According to Chief Okoro, the ASMATA committee, after a thorough investigation that lasted over three months, exonerated him and his executive members of all corruption allegations. The report commended them for their transparency and prudent management of government revenues, noting that their leadership had significantly improved the operations and harmony within the association.
The committee, chaired by Chief Eric Uwaoma with Sir Peter Okala as Secretary, Nze Philip Nwogu as Vice Chairman, Chief Innocent Muojekwu as Treasurer, and High Chief Emeka Unaegbu as Publicity Secretary also recommended Chief Okoro and his team for recognition for their patriotism and achievements.
The report particularly praised their successful negotiation of a lease agreement with the Modebe Family, owners of the plazas, describing it as a tangible accomplishment that would benefit future generations of traders in the market.
