praises the calm behavior of Onitsha traders.
requests that the government and traders give priority to communication,
Written by Chimaobi Nwaiwu
NNEWI—The Anambra State government and the vendors in Onitsha Main Market and other markets have been urged by the United Igbo Elders Council, UNIEC, Worldwide, to maintain communication in order to eventually reopen the Onitsha Main Market and other marketplaces that Governor Soludo shuttered.
Additionally, advertisements from UUIEC said that in order to maintain the better security conditions seen in Anambra and other South East States, peace—rather than conflict—is what is needed in Onitsha, the commercial center of Anambra State and other parts of the region.
Following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s temporary shutdown of Onitsha Main Market, the Igbo elders demanded a quick end to any miscommunication and backlash, stating that constructive conversation is now required.
His Lordship Justice Alpha Ikpeama, UNIEC’s Director General, and Prof. Obasi Igwe, National Director of Media and Publicity, released a statement headed “UNIEC Worldwide, affirms its support for peace in Onitsha and other parts of Anambra State.”
The organization was pleased with the way the people of Anambra State behaved, especially the traders and other Onitsha stakeholders, who they claimed showed composure and restraint since the market was closed.
UNIEC Statement said, “A call for immediate cessation of misunderstanding and constructive dialogue. The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide affirms its strong support for stability and constructive engagement in Onitsha and other parts of Anambra State regarding the closure of Onitsha Main Market by the Anambra State government. This is in keeping with the long-standing tradition of Igbo elders stepping in during times of communal strain to preserve peace, dialogue, and social cohesion.
“UNIEC commends the people of Anambra State, particularly the traders and other stakeholders in Onitsha, for the calm and restrained manner in which recent concerns involving the Onitsha Main Market and other towards the Monday weekly sit-at-home observance, and the Anambra State Government are being approached.
“UNIEC observes that these matters are not new sources of contention in our communal life and fall squarely within the category of issues historically resolved through consultation, mutual respect, and negotiated understanding. They shouldn’t be permitted to worsen into conflicts that could jeopardize public order, economic activity, or social harmony because they are neither intractable nor beyond peaceful resolution.
“UNIEC warns against any kind of internal strife and reaffirms that peaceful conversation and moderation remain the most credible and sustainable avenues to settling disputes at this crucial time in Igbo history, when unity, calm, and collective concentration are needed.
“The United Igbo Elders Council (UNIEC) Worldwide hereby commits itself to facilitating engagement among all concerned stakeholders with a view to de-escalation, reconciliation, and the prompt restoration of peace and normalcy, in keeping with its responsibility to offer steady counsel and to help bridge differences when tensions arise.”
“The Council has already communicated with pertinent parties and will continue to do so until a fair, just, and long-lasting solution is reached.
“Therefore, in the overarching interest of peace, unity, economic stability, and the shared future of Ndi Igbo and Anambra State in particular, UNIEC calls on all sides to exercise restraint, prioritize dialogue, and fully cooperate with mediation efforts.”
