Former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi has come under heavy criticisms by Nigerians for calling on the National Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to reopen the markets it had earlier sealed in Onitsha, Anambra State following discovery of large amounts of fake, adulterated and expired drugs in the markets by NAFDAC.
The popular Bridge Head market in Onitsha houses the popular Ogbo Ogwu market where traders and distributors sell all types of pharmaceutical products in wholesale. The market has been closed multiple times in the past for housing fake drug traders. During the reign of late Prof. Dora Akunyili from Anambra State, the Ogbo Ogwu market was closed by NAFDAC despite strong resistance and pressure from many quarters.
Following the latest closure of the Onitsha head bridge market, Mr. Peter Obi took to his X handle to call for the reopening of the Onitsha Bridge Head market. In the statement, which he titled: “Closure of Head Bridge Market: A Call for reconsideration of position”, Mr. Peter Obi said, “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.
“Shutting down other neighboring markets 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
“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”, he added.
Mr. Peter Obi wondered that if the goal was to conduct a legitimate search, why would NAFDAC extend the closure to other markets. Obi queried NAFDAC saying “what are their offences?”
Mr. Peter Obi also noted that during his tenure as Anambra State Governor, he faced similar situations of fake drug trade multiple times in the Onitsha drug market and that his administration worked closely with regulatory authorities and security agencies, ensuring fairness 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”, Obi revealed.
The former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party added that the approach employed by his administration prevented unnecessary disruptions (of activities of the traders) and safeguarded livelihoods.
He therefore urged NAFDAC and the security agencies to reconsider their current strategy to prevent undue hardship on traders, their families and the state’s economy. Obi further said that while pursuing the “end of public health”, NAFDAC should not lose sight of the collateral economic effects of adjacent market closures.
“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”, Peter Obi said.
“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”, the Labour Party former presidential candidate concluded.
Angry Nigerians immediately descended on Mr. Peter Obi berating him for placing economic losses of the suspected fake drug dealers and their accomplices over the health and safety of Nigerians who consume these fake drugs.
An X user @Kayloaded1 while reacting to Obi’s post said, “there is absolutely no need for this post. Tribalism or chauvinism should not be placed above humanity! This is a subtle support for the criminals involved in these heinous crimes. You are creating a bad legacy for yourself and remember the internet never forget.”
Another X user Adex Smith wrote, “Peter obi supporting illegal drugs activities. No wonder your people want you to be president so that they can have free pass to further murder Nigerians with their fake products. Dora will be angry in her grave, you promised her that they will stop mass producing fake drugs in 2007 after she locked this same market for 4 months. Now you’re here again supporting it. You are a fraud and not to be trusted.”
Mayowa David blast Mr. Peter Obi saying, “I hate the fact that you support illegal ways of making money, you don’t value lives of innocent Nigerians that have been lost due to your brothers selling fake drugs across the country. This man you are evil and the end of people like you is always very bad.”
Mr. Yaya Oseni, another X user commented thus: “This man, @PeterObi, doesn’t care about people’s life, he cares about money. Probably, he has shops in this market. So many lives have been lost to fake drugs, but he doesn’t care.”
Another Nigerian, Kingsley Sam writing under Peter Obi’s post said, “NAFDAC started from Abia exposing ur people selling fake drink to Nigerians. Not a word from @PeterObi. NAFDAC discovered a warehouse where expired drugs were been restamped with new dates and sold back to unsuspecting Nigerians. @PeterObi did not tweet. U only have energy now.”
