Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has issued a stern warning to traders who continue to observe the Monday sit-at-home order initially declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Soludo made it clear that any shop or plaza that remains closed on Mondays will be sealed, potentially for up to one month.
During an inspection tour of the Main Market in Onitsha on Monday, the governor expressed his frustration with the high number of shops that were still closed. The Main Market, which is considered the largest in West Africa, has been heavily affected by the sit-at-home order, causing a significant decline in commercial activity every Monday.
The sit-at-home order was originally declared by IPOB in 2021 as a protest against the extraordinary rendition of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Although IPOB officially suspended the order later that year, the fear of violent enforcement by unknown groups has continued to keep businesses, schools, and banks shut on Mondays across the South East.
The lingering effects of this protest have severely impacted the local economy. On Mondays, major markets like the one in Onitsha are deserted, leading to a drop in trade and the potential loss of customers to other regions where businesses remain open. Governor Soludo’s administration is now seeking to put an end to this trend and ensure that economic activities resume fully on all days of the week, including Mondays.
In his address to traders during the inspection, Soludo did not mince words. He warned that traders who refused to open their shops on Mondays would face severe consequences. “I am here to ensure that your shops are open,” the governor said. “From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business. If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month. When you are ready to open, it must be from Monday through Saturday.”
Soludo emphasized that the continuous closure of businesses was detrimental to the region’s economy, as traders and consumers alike might begin seeking alternatives in other parts of the country. He argued that if the sit-at-home persisted, Onitsha’s status as a commercial hub would be at risk, potentially pushing customers to places like Lagos or Port Harcourt.
“We cannot allow our markets to be closed while people in other regions are doing business as usual,” Soludo stated. “If we continue to shut our doors, the economy will suffer, and traders will lose their customers. This is not what we want for Anambra or the South East.”
Understanding that fear of violence is the main reason traders have continued to observe the sit-at-home, Soludo assured them that his administration would provide adequate security to protect lives and property. He urged the traders to resume full commercial activities on Mondays, noting that security measures would be reinforced to ensure their safety.
“I understand that some of you are afraid, but I want to assure you that we will provide security for you. There is no need to fear. We must all work together to rebuild our economy,” the governor said.
He also mentioned that security agencies in the state have been directed to beef up their presence in and around markets on Mondays. This, according to Soludo, would ensure that traders feel confident enough to open their shops and conduct their businesses without fear of being attacked.
Some traders at the Main Market expressed mixed reactions to the governor’s visit and his threat to seal shops. While a few acknowledged the need to reopen their businesses, others were still hesitant due to the fear of violent reprisals from unknown enforcers of the sit-at-home order.
Governor Soludo has made it clear since taking office that one of his primary goals is to revitalize the economy of Anambra State. He has consistently spoken about the need to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, and ensuring that markets remain open every day of the week is a key part of that vision.
The governor’s visit to the Main Market in Onitsha underscores his commitment to reversing the economic downturn caused by the sit-at-home order. Soludo has pointed out that if the South East is to remain competitive, it must shed its reliance on protest-driven closures and embrace a business-friendly atmosphere that encourages growth and attracts investment.
“We need to restore normalcy in our markets. Anambra is known for its commercial strength, and we must not allow that reputation to be destroyed. My administration will do everything possible to support our traders, but we must all play our part,” Soludo said.