Ebonyi Market Commissioner Dissolves Ezza Goat Dealers’ Leadership, Inaugurates Caretaker Committee
Nkechinyere Ewa
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Market Development and Parks, Prof. Nwogo Ajuka Obasi, has dissolved the leadership structures of the Ezza North and Ezza South Goat Dealers Association, Onueke, following protracted crises rocking the union.
The crisis, which borders on leadership tussles, disputed election processes, allegations of financial mismanagement and deep division within the association, prompted the Ministry to intervene to forestall further breakdown of order.
Addressing journalists on Friday after a crucial meeting with the defunct executives and members of the two associations, the Commissioner said consultations were held with stakeholders, including the Almagamated Traders Union, Eke Imoha, before arriving at the decision.
According to him, the Ministry observed that the association was bedevilled by multiple challenges, including irregularities in attempted elections and issues that led to factionalisation.
“We noted that there is a leadership crisis rocking the Ezza North and Ezza South Goat Dealers Association. There were attempts to conduct elections, but the modalities were not in line with acceptable standards. We also observed issues that resulted in divisions within the union, as well as allegations of mismanagement of funds and lack of accountability,” he said.
Prof. Obasi clarified that although the former executives were not formally dissolved, their tenure had come to an end. However, all existing leadership structures of the association in Onueke stand dissolved.
Following wide consultations with opposing factions and the Almagamated Traders Union, Eke Imoha, the Ministry approved the constitution of a five-member caretaker committee to oversee the affairs of the association for three months.
The committee is chaired by Mr. Usulor Godwin Nweke, with Mr. Iloke Joseph Kelechi as Secretary and Mr. Sondi Elom Sunday Egede as Treasurer. Mr. Igwe Sunday Ezekiel will serve as Public Relations Officer, while Mr. Nwafor Solomon is to function as Provost.
The Commissioner said the caretaker committee will operate under strict supervision and monitoring by the Ministry and is mandated to design modalities for conducting a free, fair and credible election within the three-month period.
In his remarks, the outgoing Chairman, Mr. Nwakpa Vincent Onyebuchi, appealed to members to support the caretaker committee and avoid actions capable of reigniting tensions.
In his acceptance speech, the new Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Usulor Godwin Nweke, pledged to prioritise peace and unity, urging members of the association to cooperate with the interim leadership.
A representative of the Almagamated Traders Union, Eke Imoha, emphasised the need for sacrifice and collective interest to restore lasting peace among goat dealers, advising the new committee to carry all stakeholders along.
The caretaker committee’s appointment takes immediate effect from February 27, 2026, while the outgoing leadership has been directed to hand over on or before Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
