The Awka South chapter of the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Union, ASMATU, on Monday said it had banned political campaigns in markets in the area.
The public relations officer of the union, Mr. Obi Ochijie, stated this in an interview with some newsmen in Awka.
He said the measure was aimed at preventing hoodlums from hijacking campaign processes in markets.
Ochijie said the union would hold a congress in October, adding that flag bearers of political parties would be given opportunity to talk to traders.
“We want to make the forthcoming election orderly in the markets to avoid casualties, loss of life, thuggery or attack on governorship candidates.
“We do not want a repetition of what happened in 2011, where Sen. Annie Okonkwo, who was contesting for the Anambra Central senatorial district seat, was attacked by suspected hoodlums during campaign at Eke-Awka Market,” he said.
Ochijie said the union would collaborate with security agencies, youth organisations, civil society groups, the Central Bank of Nigeria and other unions to enforce the ban.
“We are trying to protect the lives of the candidates and traders. We are not asking them not to go to the traders to campaign but we are asking them not to do so in the markets.”
It would be recalled that in similar circumstance in 2011 general elections, Sen. Chris Ngige, representing Anambra Central Senatorial District was attacked during a campaign rally in Onitsha Main Market.
Ngige was denied entry into the market while some vehicles in his convoy were vandalised by suspected hoodlums.