Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
In a bid to restore the economic vitality of Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has declared that all markets and shops across the state will remain open on every working day, including Mondays.
The directive was issued during a meeting with market leaders from across the state, held in Awka.
The meeting was convened to address the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and the long-standing Monday sit-at-home practice that has disrupted commercial activities in the South-East.
Governor Soludo presented a “renovate or rebuild” ultimatum to the traders, offering two options: the demolition of existing structures to allow for the construction of a new, world-class trading hub, or a comprehensive modernisation of the current facilities.
He stressed that, regardless of the option chosen, the closure of markets on Mondays would no longer be tolerated.
“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,” Soludo said.
The Governor noted that enforcement of the sit-at-home order had evolved from a political protest into a criminal enterprise that no longer served the interests of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. He alleged that those enforcing the order were largely non-indigenes of Anambra State and warned that the government would deploy “extreme measures” if defiance continued.
In their response, the market leaders expressed willingness to comply with the directive but raised concerns over logistics and security.
Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Mr Chijioke Okpalugo, pledged that traders would commence full Monday operations in line with the Governor’s vision of a “One Anambra.”
The traders’ leadership also made several requests to ensure a smooth transition, including a visible and proactive security presence to protect traders and customers, the full operation of motor parks to attract buyers from outside the state, and decisive action against individuals who benefit from or facilitate the sit-at-home order.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment, Soludo promised a comprehensive overhaul of the security architecture in all markets across the state to prevent harassment and guarantee unhindered commercial activities.
