The Association of Newspaper Vendors in Anambra State has taken a bold step by going on strike due to the continuous harassment and destruction of their newsstands and newspapers by officials of the Anambra State Government.
In response to this ongoing harassment, the vendors lodged a complaint with the police and the Department of State Service (DSS).
However, during a reconciliation meeting called by the DSS on Thursday, officials from the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency (ACTDA) failed to attend.
A fierce battle has been raging between the vendors and ACTDA, as the agency’s officials have vowed to prevent vendors from displaying newspapers in what they consider unapproved areas. In a surprising move, they even went to the popular Aroma junction, confiscating all the newspapers and destroying the vendors’ tables.
When the vendors approached the ACTDA office to address the issue, the head of administration said that the confiscated newspapers were not brought to their office.
However, outside the office, a member of the taskforce revealed that they had given the newspapers away for wrapping suya.
Despite appeals from journalists and others in the state capital, the ACTDA officials have arrogantly declared that they will never allow vendors to display newspapers in Awka.
In response to this frustrating situation, the vendors have decided to go on strike, leaving behind all the newspapers that were brought to Anambra State for sale on Friday.
Newspaper Vendors in Anambra State Strike Against Destruction of Newsstands in Awka
