By Karen James
The President-General of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Chief Humphrey Anerah Onwa, has sparked controversy after allegedly threatening fellow market leaders in a voice note. This comes amidst ongoing allegations of corruption and mismanagement within the association, including claims involving assault and the distribution of union percentages.
In the audio message, Chief Anerah reportedly warned his colleagues to support him in addressing these issues or face consequences. He also alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is investigating him and a woman accused of threatening him. According to Anerah, the EFCC has been informed about his whereabouts, with claims that some individuals have told the agency he rarely stays at home or in his office. He further stated that the EFCC threatened to detain him for three months.
The situation has drawn the attention of Pechilly Investigative Media, a platform committed to uncovering the truth and restoring justice. In a statement, Pechilly Investigative emphasized its dedication to holding ASMATA leaders accountable and ensuring peace and transparency in the association. “The government is not for one person but for the people,” the statement read, urging all market leaders to pay their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) directly to government accounts and maintain accurate records of remittances.
The allegations have reignited concerns about financial transparency within ASMATA, particularly the controversial “three percent” reportedly shared among appointees and the President-General. Market leaders and stakeholders have called for an immediate audit of the association’s finances and a comprehensive review of its leadership practices.
Pechilly Investigative pledged to continue following the case, stating, “We will not rest until justice prevails for everyone affected by these allegations of assault and percentage mismanagement. Ndi Anambra deserves better, and ASMATA must become a symbol of peace, accountability, and effective leadership.”
Chief Anerah’s threats and the ongoing EFCC investigation have fueled calls for reform within the association. Many market leaders have expressed their determination to restore order and integrity to ASMATA, emphasizing the need for collective action to prevent further crises.
As the probe unfolds, stakeholders remain hopeful that this case will serve as a turning point for ASMATA, ensuring that the association prioritizes the interests of traders and the broader community. Anambra State is watching closely, with many seeing this as an opportunity to set a precedent for transparent and accountable leadership.
(Due to fatish and negative energy he used in threatening the market leaders everyone is scared of coming out to speak the truth)
Continuation of ASMATA Matter: A Call for Transparency and Private Investigation into Market Leadership Claims
Following recent reports surrounding allegations of corruption, intimidation, and unrest within the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), an investigative journalist and crime investigator has come forward with further insights and recommendations for the state’s leadership. Addressing Governor Charles Soludo directly, the journalist has urged the state government to consider enlisting private investigators to uncover the truth behind the accusations aimed at ASMATA’s President-General (PG) and clarify the real situation within the organization.
The journalist’s statement highlights deep concerns about the ASMATA PG’s claims and warns of potential misinformation reaching the governor. “Remember, the report you heard from the ASMATA PG is misleading, with no substantial proof to back it,” the journalist cautioned. He refuted the PG’s claims that market leaders staged a protest against the state government, assuring Governor Soludo that no such protest had taken place. If the PG insists otherwise, the journalist challenges him to present photographic evidence of the alleged protests.
Instead, the journalist said she will reveal the evidence of the PG’s own disputes, noting his confrontations with key figures such as the Chairman of Ochanja Market, the Main Market Chairman, and incidents of alleged intimidation involving the Ogbaru and Idemili Zonal Chairmen. To substantiate these claims, he indicated that he holds photo documentation and written records of the PG’s actions toward these individuals.
The journalist emphasized the importance of evidence-based decisions for the state government. “Mr. Governor, please work with evidence and not with the words of the PG of ASMATA or the SSA on Market,” he urged, stressing that Anambra’s traders and citizens deserve leadership based on transparency, accountability, and fairness.
To move forward and restore peace within ASMATA, he proposed a meeting of ASMATA leadership at the Government House Chamber. Such a gathering, he believes, would foster open dialogue and provide an opportunity for all parties to present their evidence and address unresolved issues in a constructive setting.
The call for independent investigation reflects the journalist’s dedication to protecting the interests of Anambra’s market community and restoring order within ASMATA. “Together, we can bring back peace to ASMATA,” he concluded, pledging continued efforts to advocate for truth, accountability, and stability within the association.
The unfolding situation has heightened public interest, as stakeholders within ASMATA and across Anambra look to the state government for decisive action in addressing the association’s internal disputes. With private investigation and direct dialogue as potential next steps, there is hope that peace and order will soon return to Anambra’s bustling market network.