Ambassador Karen James, an investigative journalist and world peace advocate, has sounded the alarm over alleged corruption and mismanagement within the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).
In her latest report, James called on Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to intervene, warning that the current leadership crisis under ASMATA’s President-General, Chief Humphrey Anuna, threatens to destabilise the state’s markets and could have far-reaching consequences for the 2025 elections. According to James, Anuna’s leadership is marked by “ego, boasting, and pride,” contributing to corruption and unrest across the state’s major markets.
James’s investigation revealed that Chief Anuna allegedly views his position as a “settlement” from the governor, claiming it as his “birthright.” This, along with the unilateral dismissal of 23 governor-appointed officials by Anuna, has raised serious concerns about transparency and governance within the association. Traders in the markets are increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as a power grab, as Anuna reportedly replaced the ousted officials with his loyalists to shield himself from accountability, further fueling chaos.
Market stakeholders are now looking to Governor Soludo for decisive action. Traders are calling for the reinstatement of the sacked appointees and the removal of Chief Anuna from office, citing the need for transparent leadership in ASMATA. As unrest grows and threatens to impact the state’s economy, many are questioning whether Anuna or his Special Adviser (SPAD) is behind the dismissals, and they urge Governor Soludo to investigate the true source of the turmoil.