Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order.
The governor issued the directive on Monday during an on-the-spot visit to the market, accompanied by senior government officials and security personnel.
Soludo warned that the closure could be extended if traders fail to comply, adding that security agencies have sealed the market to ensure enforcement of the order.
He expressed concern that despite repeated assurances of improved security and appeals for traders to resume normal business activities, many shop owners again kept their stalls locked.
According to the governor, the continued shutdown of the market reflects a lingering atmosphere of fear that undermines economic activities in the state.
“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals deliberately undermine public safety and disregard lawful directives meant to restore normalcy. This amounts to economic sabotage,” Soludo said.
He described the market closure as a protective measure for law-abiding citizens and warned that failure to reopen after the one-week shutdown would result in a further closure lasting one month.
“You either choose to trade here or you go elsewhere. We are very serious about this,” the governor added.
Security presence was heightened around the market on Monday, with a joint task force comprising the police, army, and other security agencies deployed to secure the area.
The development highlights the ongoing efforts by the Anambra State Government to end the Monday sit-at-home and restore full economic activities across the state.
The state government has consistently directed businesses and traders to operate normally on Mondays as part of broader measures to stabilise the economy and curb disruptions linked to recurring sit-at-home observances.
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