Executive members, stakeholders and traders of the Ebonyi State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (EBSMATA) have passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the association’s President, Comrade Uche Nwikwe, reaffirming their commitment to unity and stability within the traders’ union.
The endorsement was made during a stakeholders’ meeting held at Timber Shade Market, Abakaliki, under the supervision of the National President of EBSMATA, Comrade Uchenna Nwikwe, and the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the association, Chief Peter Oba.
The meeting, attended by executive officers, market leaders and members from different parts of the state, focused on strengthening unity within the association and addressing issues affecting traders across Ebonyi State.
Speaking at the meeting, the Second Vice President of EBSMATA, Honourable Deacon Louis Nwakpa, said the association had continued to witness progress under the current administration.
He noted that the leadership had introduced positive reforms within a short period and assured the executive of continued support from members.
“EBSMATA is moving forward and our chairman is doing the needful. We will continue to give him the support required to move the association forward,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice President of the association, Comrade Johnson Inya, dismissed insinuations of division within the union, insisting that EBSMATA remained united.
“EBSMATA has come to stay. We do not have two associations. We must support one another and work together to move the union to greater heights,” Inya stated.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Afikpo Amalgamated Traders Association, Mr. Urom Justus Enya, called on aggrieved members to embrace reconciliation and unity in the interest of the association.
According to him, division would only undermine the progress of traders in the state.
“There is no gain in division. We can only achieve more when we work together as one body. Those with grievances should put them aside and join hands with the leadership for the progress of the association,” he said.
The Chairman of Timber Shade Market, Chief Israel Ochishi, commended the Ebonyi State government for policies he said had improved the welfare of traders, particularly in addressing issues of multiple and unauthorized taxation.
He also extolled the leadership style of Comrade Uche Nwikwe, describing it as transparent and inclusive.
“The leadership has been performing beyond expectations. The meeting was conducted openly and decisions reached were in the interest of traders and the association,” Ochishi said.
He urged members dissatisfied with the outcome of the association’s election to support the present administration, insisting that the leadership was legitimate and duly constituted.
Similarly, the Chairman of Tomato and Pepper Association in Ebonyi State, Mr. Charles Agusiobo, described the current administration as reform-driven and accommodating.
He said the association had witnessed significant changes since the emergence of the new leadership.
“Many people have now been accommodated in the association unlike before. Traders are happy and we will continue to support the leadership,” Agusiobo stated.
Former Chairman of Timber Shade Market, Mr Justus Alieze, also pledged support for the administration and called for sustained cooperation among members to ensure peace and stability within the association.
The meeting ended with stakeholders unanimously reaffirming their support for the leadership of Mr. Uche Nwikwe and pledging continued collaboration to advance the welfare of traders across Ebonyi State.
