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Onitsha Market Shutdown: Anambra Loses N19.6bn Every Monday – Lawmakers Back Soludo

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The Anambra House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the state government’s directive for Onitsha Main Market traders to abandon the sit-at-home order every Monday, initiated by non-state actors.

The lawmakers said the directive was necessary, as the state loses a total of N19.6 billion every Monday.

During their plenary session on Tuesday in Awka, the legislators also resolved to back the governor’s decision to close down the market for a week.

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They, therefore, urged residents to discontinue the Monday sit-at-home exercise forthwith.

Recall that Governor Chukwuma of Anambra, on Monday, January 26, closed the Onitsha Main Market following the traders’ inability to comply with the directive to end the sit-at-home.

READ ALSO:Police Launch Manhunt As Assailants Kill 4 In Soludo’s Aide’s Community

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Mr Johnbosco Akaegbobi, the Minority Leader representing Nnewi South 1 Constituency, moved the motion calling on Anambra residents to discontinue the Monday sit-at-home forthwith.

Akaegbobi said the sit-at-home directive had disrupted economic and social activities across the state for years, noting that Anambra alone loses about N19.6 billion every Monday.

He explained that the Monday sit-at-home was initiated in 2021 by members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protest the detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

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He added that the practice had evolved into a habitual weekly exercise enforced by fear across the South Eastern region, costing the region approximately N88.08 billion every Monday.

READ ALSO:Police Launch Manhunt As Assailants Kill 4 In Soludo’s Aide’s Community

Akaegbobi further noted that the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) sector bore the heaviest burden, accounting for roughly 60 per cent of total financial losses.

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He said micro businesses lose an estimated N4.6 trillion annually due to recurring closures, while transporters lose between N10 billion and N13 billion daily.

The lawmakers said the enforced inactivity has led to a 20 per cent decline in annual effective workdays and a 35 per cent decline in business productivity in the public and labor sectors.

Mr. Chuma Okoye, the Deputy Speaker, seconded the motion, noting that the action was apt.

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He said the decision was for the common good of the people and should not be seen as high-handedness.

READ ALSO:Soludo Visits Tinubu, Goes Into Closed Door Session With President

Okoye expressed concern that many religious leaders, residents, schools, market leaders, civil servants, and public servants have come to perceive Monday as an extension of the weekend, intentionally crippling the economic viability of the day as the first working day of every week.

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Mr Golden Ilo, representing Ihiala 2, said traders should see the state government’s action as beneficial for various enterprises and should back the governor by complying without further delay.

After deliberations on the motion and support from the majority of lawmakers, it was resolved that the sit-at-home directive should stop forthwith.

Sometochukwu Udeze, Speaker of the House, urged market leaders, religious leaders, schools, civil and public servants, transporters, and SMEs to commence full-scale activities across the state immediately.

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Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

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Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.

Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.

He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.

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READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack

Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.

“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”

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He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.

He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.

Watch the video here

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.

‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”

‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.

‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.

‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.

‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

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Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”

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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

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Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

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READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

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Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

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I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

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