Why We Banned Prayers In Markets – Anambra Traders

Following allegation that politicians have hijacked the praying exercise, the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA on Wednesday banned the spiritual activity in markets across the state.

President-General of ASTAMA, Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu disclosed this while addressing market union leaders.

He said “What we see now is extortion and conversion of prayer sessions to political rallies.

“This move became necessary because we have discovered that some overzealous ones abuse this practice by extorting market men and women regularly of their hard-earned resources.

“Some have turned the prayers into political jamborees and this is not healthy for the system.

“All market leaders are expected to meet with the traders and inform them of this development.”

While frowning at the situation where the police or government officials would be involved in matters concerning traders, Ekwegbalu said such could be resolved by the market leadership.

 He urged traders to seek redress through the appropriate processes when there were disagreements.

The ASMATA boss condemned revenue racketeering, urging leaders of market unions to remit revenue generated from their respective markets to the state government coffers.

He added “We call on traders vying for elective positions to follow due processes in their campaigns in accordance with the constitution of the market and not engage in any activity capable of threatening the credibility of the election.

“We are looking forward to a peaceful, credible and a transparent election this time around.”