The Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association, ASMATA, has debunked the rumour that it has banned prayers in Markets across the State.

Speaking to the press in his office at Onitsha, the President-General of ASMATA, Chief Ikechukwu Ekwegbalu, who said that monthly prayers has been instituted in all Markets across the State, reiterated that the Association only banned daily and weekly prayers in Markets due to abuse, extortion and politicizing of the spiritual exercise by some individuals.

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Chief Ekwegbalu also noted that during such prayers, traffic and other
commercial activities are stalled thereby generating chaos and
disorder.

While noting that their decision was not influenced by the State
government, Chief Ekwegbalu said that the association together with
various Market leaders have agreed that all Markets shall henceforth
conduct general monthly prayers at their own time between seven and
ten o’clock in the morning to ensure sanity.