Court Judgment on 3-Man Committee: A Soothing Balm for the Electronic Market in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The recent judgment by the Anambra State High Court in Atani, Onitsha, ordering a three-man committee at the Onitsha Electronic Market to focus solely on government revenue, is poised to restore peace and harmony in the market.

The market has long been marred by leadership crises, leading to numerous court battles.
Mr. Ifechi Anozie challenged the authority of the three-man committee, which had been set up by the government to collect taxes.
Anozie argued that the committee had no mandate to collect Union funds or manage Union affairs.

In its ruling on Wednesday, the court ordered that the three-man committee could only collect government revenue, including taxes and development levies, and was prohibited from collecting Union-related monies, such as those for security, electricity, and environmental needs.
The court also directed that the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the market to assume control of market administration until new executives are elected.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Ifechi Anozie, also known as IfyGod Electronics, described the judgment as a welcome relief that would heal past wounds and advance the development and peace of the electronic dealers' association in Onitsha.

"I commend the Atani High Court for delivering justice and providing a fair hearing for the Onitsha Electronics Dealers Association. The market has suffered since the elected executive's term expired in July 2022. The court’s decision on July 26, 2024, benefits the market greatly. I thank the High Court and the judiciary for upholding the rights of the common man and showing that justice is achievable," Anozie said. He also thanked the Anambra State government for accepting the judgment and urged market members to comply with the court’s order by paying the government taxes and development levies, currently set at N17,500.

He emphasized that the court's ruling mandates the three-man committee to manage only government taxes as directed and allows the BoT to handle market leadership in the interim.

Hon. Chuks Onyeizugbe, a former Special Adviser to the former Governor Chief Willie Obiano on political matters and an electronic dealer in the market, criticized those who deceive the government. He claimed that misinformation from certain individuals in Awka has led to misguided government actions.
Onyeizugbe expressed concern over the market's deterioration due to fraud and mismanagement and urged the BoT to collaborate with the government to rectify the situation.

"The market is deteriorating because some people are misleading government officials in Awka. The market, built by contributions from multiple states, is suffering because of these deceitful actions. I urge the BoT to take charge and work with the government. The governor is doing well, but some individuals are tarnishing his efforts," Onyeizugbe said. He called on Governor Charles Soludo to personally investigate the market's issues, noting that current revenues are significantly less than potential earnings.

Nkem Okoli, chairman of Freedom Line, echoed support for the court's judgment, believing it would restore peace and address the market's prolonged conflicts. He affirmed their commitment to paying all required taxes and development levies, despite the current high rates, in support of the governor's efforts.

The judgment, therefore, represents a crucial step toward resolving the market’s issues and promoting stability and fairness in its administration.

Titusele87:
Court Judgment on 3-Man Committee: A Soothing Balm for the Electronic Market in Anambra

Titus Maduako Eleweke

The recent judgment by the Anambra State High Court in Atani, Onitsha, ordering a three-man committee at the Onitsha Electronic Market to focus solely on government revenue, is poised to restore peace and harmony in the market.

The market has long been marred by leadership crises, leading to numerous court battles.
Mr. Ifechi Anozie challenged the authority of the three-man committee, which had been set up by the government to collect taxes.
Anozie argued that the committee had no mandate to collect Union funds or manage Union affairs.

In its ruling on Wednesday, the court ordered that the three-man committee could only collect government revenue, including taxes and development levies, and was prohibited from collecting Union-related monies, such as those for security, electricity, and environmental needs.
The court also directed that the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the market to assume control of market administration until new executives are elected.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Ifechi Anozie, also known as IfyGod Electronics, described the judgment as a welcome relief that would heal past wounds and advance the development and peace of the electronic dealers' association in Onitsha.

"I commend the Atani High Court for delivering justice and providing a fair hearing for the Onitsha Electronics Dealers Association. The market has suffered since the elected executive's term expired in July 2022. The court’s decision on July 26, 2024, benefits the market greatly. I thank the High Court and the judiciary for upholding the rights of the common man and showing that justice is achievable," Anozie said. He also thanked the Anambra State government for accepting the judgment and urged market members to comply with the court’s order by paying the government taxes and development levies, currently set at N17,500.

He emphasized that the court's ruling mandates the three-man committee to manage only government taxes as directed and allows the BoT to handle market leadership in the interim.

Hon. Chuks Onyeizugbe, a former Special Adviser to the former Governor Chief Willie Obiano on political matters and an electronic dealer in the market, criticized those who deceive the government. He claimed that misinformation from certain individuals in Awka has led to misguided government actions.
Onyeizugbe expressed concern over the market's deterioration due to fraud and mismanagement and urged the BoT to collaborate with the government to rectify the situation.

"The market is deteriorating because some people are misleading government officials in Awka. The market, built by contributions from multiple states, is suffering because of these deceitful actions. I urge the BoT to take charge and work with the government. The governor is doing well, but some individuals are tarnishing his efforts," Onyeizugbe said. He called on Governor Charles Soludo to personally investigate the market's issues, noting that current revenues are significantly less than potential earnings.

Nkem Okoli, chairman of Freedom Line, echoed support for the court's judgment, believing it would restore peace and address the market's prolonged conflicts. He affirmed their commitment to paying all required taxes and development levies, despite the current high rates, in support of the governor's efforts.

The judgment, therefore, represents a crucial step toward resolving the market’s issues and promoting stability and fairness in its administration.

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