Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ refusal to comply with the state government’s directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order.
The governor gave the directive on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the market, accompanied by government officials and security personnel.
Soludo warned that the closure could be extended if traders fail to reopen after the one-week shutdown, adding that security agencies have already sealed the market to enforce compliance.
He described the continued closure of shops on Mondays as an act that undermines public safety and economic stability, despite repeated assurances by the government that adequate security measures have been put in place.
According to the governor, the refusal of traders to open their stalls amounts to economic sabotage and reflects the lingering fear that continues to disrupt normal commercial activities in the South-East.
“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals deliberately undermine public order and defy official directives aimed at restoring normalcy. This will not be tolerated,” Soludo said.
He stressed that the closure was intended to protect law-abiding citizens and warned that if the market remains shut after the one-week period, it could be sealed for as long as one month.
“You either decide to trade here and obey the law, or you seek alternatives elsewhere. We are serious about restoring normal economic life,” the governor added.
Security presence around the market was visibly heightened, with a joint task force of police, soldiers and other operatives securing the area to prevent any breach of the order.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by the Anambra State Government to end recurring Monday sit-at-home observances, which have continued to disrupt business activities across the state.
The government had earlier directed businesses and residents to maintain normal activities on Mondays as part of measures to stabilise the economy and restore public confidence.
