TDIn a decisive move to revive the economic heartbeat of Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has ordered that all markets and shops across the state must remain open every working day, including Mondays.
The directive came during an intensive interactive session with market leaders in Awka, following the recent closure of Onitsha Main Market and the lingering Monday sit-at-home syndrome that has crippled commerce in the Southeast for years.
Renovate or Rebuild Ultimatum
Addressing traders of Onitsha Main Market, Governor Soludo issued a bold ultimatum: either level the existing structures to build a world-class trading hub or embark on a massive modernization project. Whichever path is chosen, he stressed, the era of Monday closures is over.
“I decided to oblige this meeting as an interactive session so I can once again listen to you,” Soludo said. “For four years, we engaged with you. We discussed, pleaded, and even held prayer sessions with all the churches in April 2022 to end this. It is now time for more action.”
Sit-at-Home Now a Criminal Enterprise
Governor Soludo emphasized that the sit-at-home order has shifted from a political protest to a criminal enterprise, insisting it no longer serves the interests of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“It is not linked to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he declared. “In 2016/2017, I led 13 Igbo stakeholders to see him, and afterwards addressed a press conference asking for his release. He was released. I also visited him in DSS custody in March after I assumed office. He does not support the sit-at-home. If it doesn’t happen in Umuahia, his hometown, why Onitsha and Nnewi?”
The Governor alleged that those enforcing the order are largely non-indigenes of Anambra State and warned that “extreme measures” would be deployed if defiance continues.
Market Leaders Respond
Market leaders expressed readiness to comply but raised concerns about logistics and security. Mr. Chijioke Okpalugo, Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, pledged that traders would resume Monday operations in line with the Governor’s “One Anambra” vision.
The traders requested:
– A visible and proactive security presence to protect lives and property.
– Full operation of motor parks to attract buyers from outside the state.
– Measures to address individuals profiting from closures or enforcing sit-at-home.
Security Overhaul Promised
Governor Soludo concluded by reaffirming his commitment to securing Anambra’s commercial hubs, promising a complete overhaul of market security architecture to prevent harassment and restore confidence.
“Igbo land and Anambra will move forward,” he declared.
