Citypost News Desk
The Anambra State Chairman of the Action People’s Party (APP), Hon. Chukwujiokem Okeke, has called for the immediate reopening of the Onitsha Drug Market, aligning with the stance of the Anambra State House of Assembly, the Anambra State Government, and the Southeast caucus of the House of Representatives.
Hon. Okeke emphasized that while the fight against fake and substandard drugs remains crucial, it is equally important to ensure that innocent traders, who rely on their businesses to sustain their families, are not unduly punished. He stressed that shutting down the entire market indefinitely affects thousands of legitimate traders and disrupts economic activities in the state.
The APP chairman urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to identify and prosecute those responsible for drug counterfeiting while allowing law-abiding business owners to continue their trade. He further called for the implementation of stricter regulatory measures within the market to prevent a recurrence of such issues.
“The continued closure of the market will endanger the lives of Southeast citizens because Ogbo Ogwu Market is the primary hub for sourcing drugs of various quantities,” Hon. Okeke stated.
“Justice must be balanced. We must hold the culprits accountable, but we must also protect the innocent and their means of livelihood. The government should expedite a proper review of the situation and facilitate the reopening of the market to restore normalcy.”
His remarks add to the growing calls for a fair resolution that ensures public safety while safeguarding the economic interests of genuine traders in the Onitsha Drug Market.
