On Friday, a significant assembly of traders and marketers under the ISAMATA platform staged a peaceful demonstration at the entrance of the Imo State Government House in Owerri.
Their unified plea was for the release of their former President/Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ezeanochie, who was arrested by the Nigerian Police Force in Imo State under orders from the State Governor.
The traders appealed directly to the Executive Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma.
Responding through the Chief of Staff to the Shared Prosperity Administration, Chief Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, the governor assured them that their concerns had been duly noted.
Recall that Mr. Ezeanochie was detained by the order of the governor following allegations of selling market stalls and misusing government funds.
The peaceful demonstrators, representing the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo State, carried placards and banners with inscriptions expressing their desire for Ezeanochie’s release.
Their messages included pleas for mercy and pardon from Governor Uzodimma, even as they also appealed to Imo First Lady, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, to intercede on behalf of Ezeanochie.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Mr. David Okoko, representing the Owerri Zone ISAMATA as the Zonal Chairman, acknowledged the governor’s efforts in combating corruption but pleaded for clemency for Ezeanochie.
Okoko admitted that Ezeanochie had failed in his duties by misusing government properties but appealed for mercy due to Ezeanochie’s deteriorating health and the impact on his family.
The placards carried messages such as:
“Imo Traders Are Begging Governor Hope Uzodimma.”
“We are all Imolites, APC members/supporters, please listen to our appeal.”
“Her Excellency, Imo First Lady, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Uzodimma, Please Use Your Influence to Beg Your Husband to Pardon Ex-ISAMATA President.”
“Governor Hope Uzodimma, Please Temper Justice with Mercy for Ezeanochie.”
“Our Governor, Please Think of Ezeanochie’s Children and Wife; We
Beg You.”
“This is 45 Days in Police Detention; Please Grant Him Bail Due to His Deteriorating Health.”
“Imo Marketers & Traders from the 27 LGAs are Begging Our Governor to Show Ezeanochie Mercy.”
“We Know He Has Learned His Lesson for Life.”
“Our Dear ‘Onwa Oyoko,’ We – Imo Traders Love You; Please Listen to Our Humble Appeal.”
“Allow Ezeanochie to Reunite with His Family Because of His Little Twins.”
“Wife of Emma Ezeanochie is Dying Slowly; Please Grant Freedom to Her Husband.”
“Our Governor, We Love You So Much; Hear Our Collective Appeal.”
“Our Loving Governor, Our Listening Governor, We Request the Release of Our Ex-ISAMATA Chairman.”
“Our Shared Prosperity Governor, Please We Are Begging You on Behalf of Ezeanochie.”
“Use Your Good Heart to Show Ezeanochie Mercy and Love.”
Chief of Staff Sir. Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie, who responded on behalf of Governor Uzodimma, assured the protesters that their requests would be conveyed to the governor immediate action.
Anyaehie urged them to peaceful return to their businesses, reassuring them that the governor, known for his attentive nature, would consider their appeal.
In his words, “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”.
Imo Traders Peacefully Demonstrate, Appeal To Governor Uzodimma To Release Ex-ISAMATA President, Ezeanochie
