Traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State have reopened their shops following a directive by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, aimed at ending the long-running Monday sit-at-home disruption in the South-East.
Newsonspot reports that Governor Soludo had ordered the closure of the market for one week, beginning last Monday, after observing what he described as continued compliance with the sit-at-home order imposed by non-state actors. He warned that failure to resume trading at the end of the shutdown would result in an additional week of closure, and possibly longer restrictions.
One week after the suspension of activities, business returned to the market on Monday as traders were seen trooping in to reopen their shops. A visit by Channels Television revealed that many traders resumed operations as early as 8:45am.
From Egerton through Ose foodstuff market and down to The Young Park – one of the major entrances into the Main Market – traders were seen setting up their wares. Shops also reopened across key areas including Emeka Offor Plaza, Sokoto Road, Lagos Line and Marine, with customers already patronising open stores.
The sit-at-home order, which has lasted for about four years, has consistently disrupted commercial and social activities across the South-East. Markets, schools, and workplaces have often been deserted on Mondays, significantly affecting productivity and economic growth in major trading centres such as Onitsha.
The Soludo administration has repeatedly condemned the practice, describing it as illegal and economically damaging. The state government has urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, insisting that the order amounts to sabotage of the region’s economy.
Following the reopening, security personnel – including police and army operatives – were deployed around the market to maintain order and ensure compliance with the government’s directive.
Governor Soludo has been at the forefront of efforts to end the shutdown culture in Anambra. In April 2022, he formally declared the sit-at-home over, announced amnesty for youths in hideouts, and promised the establishment of a peace and reconciliation committee.
While the governor has maintained that the sit-at-home has largely faded and that Anambra remains secure, some residents reportedly still stay indoors on Mondays out of caution.
Source: Channels Television.
