Harboursandport.com: Lagos - The Ndigboamaka Progressives Markets Association, a group of 58 market associations have endorsed Benjamin Kalu's nomination by the All Progressives Congress, APC as deputy speaker of the incoming House of Representatives.
President of Ndigboamaka, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, who disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Lagos on the developments in the polity, President of Ndigboamaka, Comrade Chinedu Ukatu, said that given Kalu's antecedents, he is fit and has the capacity for the position.
Ndigboamaka is the umbrella body of major Igbo market associations in Lagos.
Ukatu said "we have keenly observed the intrigues, horse-trading and power-play going on about the election of the leadership of the 10th Assembly.
"We want to categorically say without contradiction that we are in solidarity and total support of Benjamin Kalu, Spokesman of the House of Representatives' 9th Assembly, who is running for the office of the Deputy Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
"We can attest to his antecedents; he has the capacity to represent the South-East as the slot is being zoned to the South-East by the leadership of APC, which is in the majority."
Thanking the APC leadership for the nomination, Ndigboamaka urged all members-elect of the House of Representatives "to give him the required solidarity to emerge without rancour."
The group further commended the aggrieved parties over their peaceful pursuit of redress rather than resorting to violence, describing their approach as "highly commendable."
It noted that the general elections having ended, "there must be winners and losers, but we are pleased that those dissatisfied with the process have approached the court for redress as stipulated by the constitution, and we are happy with that rather than a resort to anarchy and violence.
"We therefore call on politicians to eschew all forms of violence and intimidation that heat up the polity.
"We also call on the winners to allow those dissatisfied with the process to lawfully express it at the law courts, and avoid any prejudicial comments and threats, because it is everyone's right to seek redress lawfully."
On their part, Ukatu said the association was very much concerned because business interests would be badly affected if any negative body language sends a wrong signal to the international business partners, thereby negating trade.
"We want to reiterate that this association's main objective is to protect the interest of the traders and support any policy of government that facilitates trade, and more so support any individual or government that protects our interests," the group added.
Equally, it urged the government at different levels to address the issue of multiple taxation and unstable economic policies, including Forex unavailability and high exchange rate, among others that inhibit trade growth.
Noting that traders contribute meaningfully to the growth of the economy, the association prayed for a smooth transition and implored the incoming government at all levels to provide an enabling environment for trade to thrive.
Meanwhile, Ndigboamaka, which said it comprises over 58 market associations, announced that its election on May 4, 2023, was free, transparent and credible, and ushered in the incumbent executive committee to pilot its affairs for the next four years.
‘We want to thank the past executives and the leadership of various market associations affiliated to this great union for making it a success," Ukatu said.
He also thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Lagos State Government for support and cordial working relationship.
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