The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Monday, during a prompt inspection of the Onitsha Main Market, issued a directive that the Market be shut down for one week following traders’ persistent refusal to comply with the state government’s instruction to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.
The governor, accompanied by some senior government officials and security personnel, cautioned the traders that the shutdown could be prolonged if they refused to adhere, noting that security operatives had sealed the market to ensure the directive is enforced.
Soludo stated that despite numerous assurances of enhanced security and calls on traders to reopen for business, many shops are still closed on Mondays, describing the situation as a willful act of defiance and economic sabotage.
He said, “The government cannot stand by while a few individuals undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy. This is plain economic sabotage.”
“We are not going to allow this. The closure is a protective measure for law-abiding citizens.”
The governor also cautioned that if traders refuse to reopen the market after the one-week closure, the shutdown could be extended to one month.
“You either decide to trade here or go elsewhere. I am very serious about this,” he added.
Security presence around the market was reinforced, with a joint task force including the police, the army, and other security agencies deployed to secure the area.
The closure is part of the relentless efforts of the Anambra State Government to dissuade traders from continuing the Monday sit-at-home in the South-East, which has persisted in hampering on economic activities across the state.