As well-known markets in the state capital of Delta State were closed on Tuesday, traders there have expressed their great disappointment.

According to reports, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa ordered the closure of one of the city of Asaba’s well-known markets, Ogbogonogo Market, due to the People’s Democratic Party’s Tuesday rally for president, which was hosted in the state.

When Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, visited the state, some traders who spoke to journalist counted their losses.

Traders who lamented their ordeals in separate interviews with our correspondent included Charles Okonkwo, Jude Okeyebunor, and Kate Mordi among others.

They described the attitude of the state government towards the citizens’ welfare as insensitive.

“Markets were shut down on Tuesday because of the party’s campaign, which is why Okowa did not declare a public holiday for civil servants. The workers are there to work for him, and he closed our only source of income.

“Don’t you know that there are people who go hungry if the market does not open for a day?” Mordi lamented.

However, while addressing party supporters at the rally’s venue, the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Atiku stated that the team was not in Delta to campaign but to thank the state.

He said, “We are not in Delta State to campaign; we are in the state to show our gratitude. Since 1999, Delta has never failed our party; that is why I chose my running mate, Okowa, from here.

“In my policy document, education is well captured, and as far as the federal government is concerned, there will be no ASSU strike again if I am elected president. The APC government has disunited Nigeria, and we are coming to unite the country. Economy and security will be given adequate attention.”

In his remarks, Okowa who is the party’s vice presidential candidate thanked Atiku for choosing him as his running mate despite all odds.

The National Chairman of PDP, Iyorchia Ayu, received the state secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Nick Otunba, with other defectors to the PDP at the rally