A new wave of peace and hope swept through Timber Market in Enugu East Local Government Area on Tuesday following the successful resolution of a protracted leadership crisis, thanks to the timely intervention of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, through his Senior Special Assistant on Market Affairs, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah.
The governor’s Market Monitoring Team, led by Hon. Dr. Mbah, visited Timber Market after first meeting with the Executive Chairman of Enugu East LGA, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, for a strategic briefing. The team arrived the market at exactly 1:39 p.m., where they were warmly received by the Central Acting Chairman, Chief John Okolo, and an expectant crowd of traders.
The purpose of the visit was to address the lingering leadership dispute caused by a local government-led centralization effort which had met stiff opposition from some market leaders and factions. The rift, which had created tension and confusion in the market, was threatening the peace and productivity of the business community.
In a firm but conciliatory address, Hon. Dr. Chinedu Mbah acknowledged that while the decentralization of leadership might appear attractive to some, a market without a central leadership structure is not sustainable. He, however, emphasized that centralization must always be done with the consent and participation of traders.
“Governor Peter Mbah believes in the people. That’s why any process that affects you must be built on fairness, dialogue, and inclusion,” Hon. Mbah stated.
“The appointment of Chief John Okolo by the local government as acting chairman is legitimate, and he will remain in that capacity until a free, fair, and democratic election is conducted very soon,” he affirmed.
He further urged all factions, including those who had petitioned the police and courts, to withdraw their cases, assuring them that Governor Mbah is committed to resolving all underlying issues with justice and fairness.
“The governor has no interest in taking sides. His interest is in seeing this market united, productive, and thriving,” Dr. Mbah added.
The resolution was greeted with a collective sigh of relief and applause by the traders, many of whom saw it as a balanced and peaceful compromise. They welcomed the assurance of a democratic election and pledged to support the acting leadership in the interim.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, one elder remarked:
“This is the first time we feel heard. The governor has done what many before him could not. We are ready to work together again, and we look forward to the election.”
With this move, Governor Peter Mbah’s administration has once again demonstrated its commitment to inclusive governance, conflict resolution, and market reform, bringing renewed hope to a critical commercial hub in the state.
Timber Market now joins the growing list of markets in Enugu State benefitting from the governor’s market sanitation initiative, aimed at restoring order, promoting unity, and building trader confidence across the board.
