By Vincent Ujumadu
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has insisted that all markets and shops across Anambra State must remain open on every working day, including Mondays, stressing that the directive is critical to restoring and sustaining the state’s economy.
The governor made the declaration during an interactive session with market leaders from across the state. The meeting followed the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and the persistent Monday sit-at-home practice that has crippled commercial activities in parts of the South-East for several years.
Addressing traders at the Onitsha Main Market, Governor Soludo challenged them to take responsibility for rebuilding the state’s economy, urging them to “renovate or rebuild” its commercial future. He floated the idea of either pulling down existing structures to develop a new, world-class trading hub or embarking on a comprehensive market modernisation programme, adding that whichever option is chosen, the era of Monday market closures must end.
“I decided to oblige this meeting as an interactive session so that I can once again listen to you,” the governor said.
“For four years, we have engaged with you. We discussed, pleaded, and even held prayer sessions with churches in April 2022 to end this. It is now time for more action.”
Governor Soludo maintained that the enforcement of the sit-at-home order has evolved from a political protest into what he described as a criminal enterprise that no longer serves the interests of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“It is not linked to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he said. “In 2016/2017, I led 13 Igbo stakeholders to see him, and afterwards addressed a press conference asking for his release, and he was released. I also visited him in DSS custody in March after I assumed office. He does not support the sit-at-home. If it does not happen in Umuahia, his hometown, why should it happen in Onitsha and Nnewi?”
The governor further alleged that many of those enforcing the order are non-indigenes of Anambra State, warning that the government would deploy “extreme measures” if the defiance continues.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting traders, Soludo said the security architecture around markets would be strengthened to prevent intimidation and harassment.
“Igbo land and Anambra will move forward,” he declared.
In response, market leaders expressed willingness to comply with the directive, while also drawing attention to logistical and security challenges. The Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Mr Chijioke Okpalugo, pledged that traders would resume full Monday operations in line with the governor’s vision of a “One Anambra.”
The traders’ leadership also made several requests to ensure a smooth transition, including a visible and proactive security presence in and around markets, full operation of motor parks to enable buyers from outside the state to access the markets, and decisive action against individuals who benefit from or facilitate the enforcement of the sit-at-home order.
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