By Agency Reports
Governor Chukwuma Soludo is facing backlash following his decision to shut down the Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders largely complied with the Monday sit-at-home directive.
The Anambra State governor ordered the closure on Monday after an on-the-spot assessment of the market revealed that most stalls remained locked, despite government assurances of improved security and repeated calls on traders to resume normal business activities.
Speaking in Onitsha, Mr Soludo described the traders’ absence as a reflection of deep-rooted fear rather than silent protest, warning that the persistent Monday shutdowns have continued to cripple economic life in the South-East.
According to him, the sit-at-home culture—enforced over the years by non-state actors—has normalised economic paralysis every Monday and must be confronted decisively.
“The enemy here is the fear-induced sit-at-home order that has strangled businesses and dictated how people live their lives,” the governor said, adding that the refusal of market leaders and traders to open defied a clear government directive.
Mr Soludo stressed that the government would not allow a few individuals to undermine public safety efforts or frustrate moves aimed at restoring normalcy. He warned that if the market failed to reopen after the one-week shutdown, it would remain sealed for a month, with further extensions if necessary.
“You must decide whether you want to trade here or go elsewhere. I am very serious about this,” he said.
Security around the market was immediately tightened, with a joint task force comprising the police, army and other security agencies deployed to secure the area and turn back those attempting to gain access.
As part of broader measures to end the sit-at-home practice, the Anambra State Government also announced the introduction of pro-rata salary payments for workers across the state, aimed at discouraging compliance with the directive linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
(NAN)