Eric Patrick
The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condemned the illicit drug trading activities in Anambra State, stating that the closure of the Head Bridge market is a call for reconsideration of position.
The one-time Anambra State governor also urged the government to take all necessary measures to eradicate the sale of fake items, especially drugs, and legally prosecute the perpetrators for the health and safety of society.
This was disclosed in a statement he shared on his X handle on Monday.
Obi, in his statement, appealed for the immediate reopening of neighboring markets that were also affected by the closure.
It was reported that the entire Head Bridge Market in Onitsha has been closed by regulatory and security agencies due to suspected trading in illegal drugs within one section of the market known as Ogbo Ogwu.
However, on February 15, 2025, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control seized 10 trucks loaded with fake, expired, and falsified drugs at the Ogbo-Ogwu Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State.
NAFDAC uncovered the fake drugs at the various shops in the market during an ongoing enforcement exercise.
According to the agency, the market comprising several buildings and shops, served as a hub for repackaged and revalidated expired medicines, which would later be sold to unsuspecting consumers.
Obi noted that shutting down other neighboring markets that are not involved in addition to the Ogbo Ogwu Market, such as Rod, Allied and Tools, Plumbing Materials, Timber, Surgical, and Provision Markets, seems excessive and unjustified.
If the goal is to conduct a legitimate search, why extend the closure to other markets? What are their offenses? Obi asks.
Obi wrote, “The entire Head Bridge Market in Onitsha has been closed by regulatory and security agencies due to suspected trading in illegal drugs within one section of the market known as Ogbo Ogwu.
“While one unequivocally condemns such illicit drug trading activities and urges the government to take all necessary measures to eradicate the sale of fake items—especially drugs—and legally prosecute the perpetrators for the health and safety of society, my concern and appeal are for the immediate reopening of neighbouring markets that were also collaterally affected by the closure.
“I therefore appeal for their immediate reopening, as their continued closure is severely affecting the livelihoods of millions, especially during this difficult period in our country.
“Furthermore, the search should be conducted transparently, with store owners present while their shops are inspected and items removed by the law and due process.
“During my tenure as Governor of Anambra state, we faced similar situations multiple times.
“Whenever we encountered public health threats, we addressed them collaboratively and methodically with the relevant agencies.
“In cases requiring market interventions, we worked closely with regulatory authorities and security agencies, ensuring fairness and due process.
“This approach prevented unnecessary disruptions and safeguarded livelihoods.
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“The current strategy should be reconsidered to prevent undue hardship on traders, their families, and the state’s economy.
“A more balanced and transparent approach will enhance both security and economic stability.
“While pursuing the end of enhanced public health, we should not lose sight of the collateral economic effects of adjacent market closures should be kept in view always.”