By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has intensified efforts to end the long-running Monday sit-at-home in Onitsha, ordering the surprise closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week over traders’ refusal to open for business.
The sit-at-home, originally declared in 2021 by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protest Nnamdi Kanu’s detention, has lingered despite being officially suspended, leaving major commercial hubs like Onitsha and Nnewi deserted every Monday.
During an unannounced visit, Soludo sealed the market and deployed heavy security, including armed operatives and armoured vehicles, to enforce compliance. The move sparked protests, with youths chanting pro-Kanu songs and challenging the governor’s authority.
But Soludo remained defiant.
At a press conference in Awka, he described the order as “economic sabotage,” arguing that Anambra cannot survive on a four-day economy. He revealed over 150 security personnel are stationed in the market and warned that shop owners who refuse to open risk losing their spaces.
“We cannot allow our economy to collapse. If they won’t trade, we will revoke the shops and give them to others,” he said.
Faced with the threat of demolition and recertification of shop ownership, market leaders eventually agreed to resume Monday trading and allow government restructuring of illegal structures.
Meanwhile, IPOB has declared a fresh Monday lockdown in solidarity with the traders, setting the stage for a fresh showdown.
All eyes are now on Monday — and whether traders will obey Soludo or IPOB.
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