Traders in Onitsha Main Market yesterday resisted an order by the government to close the market and welcome Mr. Willie Obiano, the All Progressives Grand Alliance's (APGA's) candidate in the November 16 poll.
The APGA's standard-bearer arrived at the market about 9am with Chief Martins Joe-Martins Uzodike, his Campaign Manager and Commissioner for Information, Tourism & Culture.
The traders, who were angry, marched on the market, carrying placards.
They were later joined by their colleagues from Ose Okwodu, who carried brooms. Bystanders and okada riders supported them, singing in praise of the All Progressives Congress' (APC's) candidate, Senator Chris Ngige.
Not even the arrival of Governor Peter Obi could deter the protesting traders. Rather, the governor's entourage was pelted with sachet (pure) water, prompting a retreat to the Whitehouse office of the Onitsha Amalgamated Traders Association (OMATA), where the donation of N1 million announced by the governor was shouted down, with many booing his entourage.
Obi's agents were wooing the traders through their leaders. They persuaded them to come to the Onitsha North Stadium to be addressed, but the resistance was stiff.
The traders sang: "Ngige, Ngige, Ngige k'ayi ga esoooooo!
Ona eje eje o na ana ana,Ngige Ka'yi gaeso," meaning "Ngige is the one we know and we will follow him wherever he goes."
One of the traders said: "We received an order by the government saying we should not open today. We feel this is not okay. Every time, they will close our business without considering our interest."
•Governor's entourage pelted with sachet water
Another trader selling home appliances, Mr. Fred Nebedum, said: "It's not by force to support a candidate. Obiano should tell us his manifesto, but this does not mean we should close our market."
Mr. Phil Onyia of Abada line was more blunt: "Government is forcing an unpopular candidate on us. We want Ngige. Although we do not say anybody should not campaign, they should stop playing politics with our stomachs."
Obi had earlier reportedly instructed parties not to campaign in markets, a decision decried by opposing parties for not being based on any law.
Yesterday's event, therefore, surprised parties.
A chieftain of the Labour Party in Onitsha, Mr. Luke Udeh, said: "Obi did not even obey his own instruction! This is unfair."
Chief Amaechi Obidike of the APC did not pick his calls.
Mr. Jude Nkputa of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said since Governor Obi had moved to campaign in a market, everyone would follow suit "and woe betide anyone who tries to stop us."
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