Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has ordered the immediate closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week over traders’ continued compliance with the Monday sit-at-home order, despite repeated assurances of security by the state government.
The directive, issued on Monday, follows the persistent refusal of traders to reopen their shops on Mondays, a situation the governor said was undermining economic activities and worsening hardship in the state.
To enforce the order, security agencies on Monday sealed the Onitsha Main Market, effectively shutting down commercial activities within the trading hub, one of the largest markets in West Africa.
Governor Soludo warned that the one-week shutdown could be extended if traders fail to resume business after the expiration of the closure period. He stressed that the state government would no longer tolerate actions that cripple the economy under the guise of fear and intimidation.
According to the governor, adequate security measures have been put in place to protect lives and property, insisting that continued observance of sit-at-home in defiance of government directives sends a wrong signal and emboldens criminal elements.
“The economy of Anambra cannot continue to bleed every Monday,” Soludo was quoted as saying, adding that the government is committed to restoring normalcy and ensuring that residents can go about their lawful businesses without fear.
