Ogbo-ogwu Market Leaders Deny Connivance with NAFDAC on alleged Fake Products Sale

By Praise Chinecherem

Leadership of Ogbo-ogwu market in Onitsha, Anambra state have dismissed as false and misleading reports alleging its connivance with National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to aid sale of fake and expired products in the market.

Chairman Ogbo-Ogwu Caretaker Committee, Hon Ndubuisi Chukwuleta who stated this in a press briefing also refuted reports accusing his leadership of protecting NAFDAC’s interests as against those of his members.

He said such allegations targeted at tarnishing his reputation was the handiwork of suspended members of his executive not comfortable with his style of leadership and landmark achievements.

He said he had never been accused nor found guilty of fake products since 32 years of doing business in the market, insisting he hated fake drugs with passion.

He said, “This media briefing followed fake products allegations against me three days ago. The report alleged that I’m protecting the interest of NAFDAC and romancing with the agency as against my members.

“The report also alleged that I collect money from fake drugs peddlers to allow them bring the products in the market. These are all lies targeted at tarnishing my imagine.

“I initially didn’t want to react to the publication but keeping quiet will further authenticate the allegations.

“For 32years I’ve been in this business, I’ve not sold fake products. I’ve not been accused nor arrested by any law enforcement agency for such, even before becoming the chairman.

“I’ve not had any case with anyone whether in court or police. It was when I assumed office that I knew the road to police and court.

“We didn’t only make laws against fake products, but we see to their implementations. We periodically confiscate fake products and hand them over to NAFDAC who give us fine to pay for destruction of the products.

“We’re the ones to hire vehicles and pack all the products for onward transmission to NAFDAC warehouse. There’s no year we don’t hand over fake, expired and banned products worth over N70million for destruction. All these are documented.

“Due to my passionate hatred for fake products because it has to do with lives, I’ve stepped on several toes fighting this battle. I’ve been offered bribes ranging from N10 to N15million which I rejected.

“I’ve been dragged to court, Police stations, government, and even House of Assembly, all to frustrate me, yet I was not found guilty of any allegations.

“We’re 21 in my exco and 15 are solidly behind me. The remaining 6 who the government suspended are those fighting us. It’s the same people that hired the guy behind the publication.”

While enumerating his achievements, Chukwuleta attributed the feats to his transparent and accountable leadership.

“I’ve always ran a transparent and accountable administration since I assumed office. I’ve never imposed any fee on the traders, yet we’ve achieved a lot.

“For example, I inherited N8mllion electricity bill. But I cleared it on assumption of office through certain policies I instituted.

“We paid N53million IGR as against N11million by previous administration. I generated N115million for government last year which fetched me a special gift.

“After the explosion we experienced, I spent over 6million excavating the entire area without collecting a dime from anyone. The only fees traders pay in the market is security and electricity.

“I repaired borehole and conveniences in the market without taxing anyone. All were done from union account.

“My joy is NAFDAC’s testimony during our meeting with them. According to the official, for the 7months he monitored my activities with their surveillance, he discovered I was clean. He said that before our stakeholders.”

Public Relations Officer of the market, Anozie Chibuzo while passing vote of confidence in the chairman on behalf of exco members, described him as transperent, humane and workaholic.

“Our chairman is not only transperent and humane, but a workaholic. I call him Mr Project. We have confidence in him,” he posited.