The Abia State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has said that the return of Governor Alex Otti as Abia State governor for the second term is non-negotiable.
The traders made the vow at the occasion of the formal inauguration of the re-appointed Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo-led ASMATA leadership at the Ministry of Trade and Commerce in Umuahia on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
AbaCityBlog reports that the vow came after the leadership of ASMATA assured that having seen things as they are unfolding, the members already know they will ensure that the current transformational wind blowing across all sectors of the state’s socio-economic life is not disrupted after 2027.
Speaking at the occasion, the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce Dr Salome Obiukwu harped on the need for traders and the entire business community to make both individual and group sacrifices towards encouraging and supporting Governor Alex Otti’s unrelenting efforts at repositioning the state.
Obiukwu urged the ASMATA executives to see their re -appointment as a divine calling, tasking them on the imperative of educating and mobilising traders and members of the Abia State business community to work towards sustaining the modest gain made so far in the Abia renewal project.
She said that the only way the traders could show appreciation for the massive infrastructural renewal projects across the nooks and crannies of Abia State is to work towards the return of Governor Otti in 2027.
In her words, “For all well-meaning Abians, there is this important project at hand, and that is the task of ensuring that our God-sent gift, Governor Alex Chioma Otti, remains after 2027 to consolidate his transformation of the state.
“For the sake of posterity, there is the need to ensure that the efforts to totally reclaim the lost fortunes of Abia State are not halted after 2027.
“To this end, I urge you to impress on traders and members of the business community the need for every well-meaning Abian to make sacrifices in time, energy and even resources to ensure that the process of repositioning and lifting Abia continues after 2027.
“The decision we make today in Abia will either make or mar the future of our children and unborn generation.”
Obiukwu called on the leadership of the ASMATA to equally educate traders on the importance of supporting and encouraging the government by way of observing their civic responsibilities and obligations, including active participation in the electoral processes and payment of their statutory levies and rents.
The Commissioner also talked on the importance of fostering unity and peace at the various markets in the state, with a call on the re-appointed ASMATA leadership to carry everybody along in their activities.
Obiukwu expressed the government’s readiness to partner with the ASMATA in tackling identified challenges facing traders in the state.
Chief Udeigbo, the President-General of ASMATA, while speaking on behalf of the re-appointed market leaders, assured that the re-election of Governor Otti in 2026 is non-negotiable.
Udeigbo expressed the unflinching determination of traders and the business community in Abia to partner with all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that Abia does not return to the dark past.
While appreciating the confidence reposed in them, Udeigbo assured that Governor Otti will surely get his own well-deserved second term as the ASMATA leadership.
According to him, “We stand before you today feeling deeply honoured and profoundly grateful as we humbly accept our re-appointment as Executives of the Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).
“We appreciate the government for this great show of confidence and trust in our leadership. Our re-appointment is not only a personal honour but a call to service. We assure you that we will not disappoint.”
Udeigbo also praised the government for its unalloyed commitment towards the growth and development of Abia markets, including ongoing remodelling and reconstruction efforts.
He appreciated the leadership of the various markets in the state for their support, cooperation and understanding in the concerted efforts to improve the standards of the markets.
Udeigbo while reaffirming ASMATA’s commitment to partnering with the government in its efforts to move the state forward, appealed to the authorities for assistance in the area of mobility.
He said the umbrella body of traders and other sensitive groups within the ASMATA, including its standing taskforce, women’s wing and the Harmonized Window income, will perform optimally if they can be provided with vehicles to facilitate their operations.
