CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
There was tension as security agencies almost took over the Ladipo Spare Parts Market in Mushin, Lagos, at the weekend following the election conducted in one of the sections in the market.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the traders at Aguiyi Ironsi International Trade Centre section of the market held their election and there was fear that it might lead to another crisis just like the one that befell the market some years back.
Based on the intelligence gathered, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal, mobilised and deployed his officers to ensure that there was peace during and after the election.
Eventually, the police were up to the task and ensured adequate peace during the process and new leaders emerged despite the speculations that it will lead to another crisis in the market. Where there were few skirmishes or conflict, the security agencies comprising the Police led by the ACP Akinboye Olasoji of the Area D Command, Mushin, the DSS and other security agencies promptly responded to the task and averted any crisis.
At the end of the peaceful and well organised election, Mr. Emmanuel Mbamala a.k.a PDP, was elected as the Chairman, Victor Nnaji emerged as the General Secretary and others were elected into the remaining positions in the contest which ended at about 10pm on Friday.
The outgoing Chairman, Chief Cyril Onyemaechi, expressed his satisfaction on the arrangements made in order to have a successful election and explained it was planned to be very transparent to avoid crisis in the market.
He thanked God for making it possible for him to pioneer the affairs of the market for two tenures and expressed happiness that he had set a standard for lasting legacies in the market.
Onyemaechi recalled how he took over the leadership of the market; he said that the market was in crisis for over seven years before the State Government and Mushin LGA intervened, an election was conducted and he emerged. He said that the traders had confidence in him and he did not disappoint them. He explained that he initiated reconciliation processes, brought all the factions together and made peace among the traders.
ACP Olasoji commended the traders for conducting themselves well during the election and explained that the security men were mobilised to ensure that the election will not cause any crisis in the market.
P.M.EXPRESS gathered that the election was keenly contested as the traders were divided into three camps with their Godfathers leading each camp.
It was learnt that one camp was headed by one Okey Imo, another camp was by Chief Innocent Ejike and the last group was led by the former chairman of the market, Chief Jonathan Okoli, and was said to have produced the candidate that won the chairmanship.
Though, Chief Okoli was heard saying that he would support any candidate that won the election but traders said that he was even the main backer of the chairman-elect. Though that was not confirmed from him.
The President General of the market, Chief Jude Nwankwo, and the Market Task Force were also around assisting the police in making sure that the election was peaceful. He commended the organisers and noted that with the arrangement it showed that the traders were able to organise themselves well and that even the losers will accept their because of the transparent nature of the process.