THE Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has urged Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, to reopen Onitsha Main Market, closed due to non-compliance with his Monday operations directive.
In a statement on Thursday in Enugu, Chairman of CLO, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, stressed the impact of the closure of the market on traders, customers, and residents.
According to Ezekwueme, mercy and love are more fruitful than strict justice.
He noted that inadequate sensitisation and fears over safety as reasons for non-compliance.
Further appealing to Gov. Soludo’s magnanimity, the CLO boss sought for the market reopening for peace, normalcy and business restoration.
“The CLO calls on traditional leaders (Igwe Chidubem Iweka and Igwe Alfred Achebe) and religious leaders (Archbishop Val Okeke, Bishops Dr. Owen Nwokolo, Dr. Paulinus Ezeokafor, Dr. Moses Ezedebego, Dr. E.C. Obiora) to urge reopening, prioritizing lives and livelihoods.
“Traders are urged to remain law-abiding.
“CLO commends Onitsha Police Area Commander, ACP Chidi Nzota, for restoring order and protecting lives/property, and Main Market Chairman Hon. Chiboy Okpalaugo for sensitizing traders on peace,” he said.
