By Douglas Princemola
Today been Friday June 28, 2024, a large group of traders and marketers under the ISAMATA platform gathered for a peaceful protest at the entrance of the Imo State Government House in Owerri. They called for the release of their former President/Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ezeanochie, who had been arrested by the Nigerian Police Force on orders from the State Governor.
The traders made a direct appeal to the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma. They expressed their unified plea for Ezeanochie’s release, emphasizing their desire for a resolution.
Governor Uzodimma responded through the Chief of Staff to the Shared Prosperity Administration, Chief Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie. The governor assured the protesters that their concerns had been duly noted and would be addressed.
Previously, Mr. Ezeanochie was detained by the order of the governor following allegations of selling market stalls and misusing government funds. These accusations had led to his arrest, which the traders were now challenging.
The peaceful demonstrators came from the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State. They carried placards and banners with messages appealing for Ezeanochie’s release. Their slogans highlighted their desire for mercy and pardon from Governor Uzodimma.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Mr. David Okoko, the Zonal Chairman representing the Owerri Zone ISAMATA, acknowledged the governor’s efforts in combating corruption. However, he pleaded for clemency for Ezeanochie, citing his deteriorating health and the adverse effects on his family.
The placards carried by the traders bore various messages. Some of them read: “Imo Traders Are Begging Governor Hope Uzodimma,” “We are all Imolites, APC members/supporters, please listen to our appeal,” and “Her Excellency, Imo First Lady, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, Please Use Your Influence to Beg Your Husband to Pardon Ex-ISAMATA President.”
Other placards appealed directly to the governor’s sense of justice and mercy, with messages like: “Governor Hope Uzodimma, Please Temper Justice with Mercy for Ezeanochie,” “Our Governor, Please Think of Ezeanochie’s Children and Wife; We Beg You,” and “This is 45 Days in Police Detention; Please Grant Him Bail Due to His Deteriorating Health.”
The Chief of Staff, Sir Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, who responded on behalf of Governor Uzodimma, reassured the protesters that their requests would be conveyed to the governor for immediate action. He urged the traders to peacefully return to their businesses, affirming that the governor, known for his attentive nature, would consider their appeal.
Anyaehie encouraged them, saying, “Return to your various business places and remain supportive of the Shared Prosperity Government. Our Governor has a listening ear and will surely pay attention to your appeal.”
