By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state, on Thursday declared that all markets and shops across the state must remain open every working day, including Mondays.
The Governor gave the order during an interactive session on Thursday with market leaders from across the state.
The meeting held in Awka, was sparked by the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and a growing long stay over the Monday sit-at-home syndrome that has crippled commence in the Southeast for years.
While addressing the traders of Onitsha Main Market specifically, Governor Soludo presented a “renovate or rebuild” ultimatum.
He offered two paths forward – demolish the existing structures to build a completely new, world-class trading hub, or embark on a massive modernization project.
Soludo emphasized that 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 told the gathered leaders.
“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.”
Also, Soludo was firm in his stance that the current enforcement of the sit-at-home order has transitioned from a political protest to a criminal enterprise that no longer serves the interests of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (MNK).
“It is not linked to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In 2016/2017, I led 13 Igbo stakeholders to see him , and afterwards addressed a press conference asking for his release, and he was released afterwards.
“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 further alleged that those enforcing the order are largely non-indigenes of Anambra State and warned that “extreme measures” would be deployed by the government if the defiance persists.
Soludo reaffimed his commitment to securing the state’s commercial hubs, promising that the security architecture across all markets would be overhauled to prevent harassment.
“Igbo land and Anambra will move forward,” he declared.
In response, the leadership of the markets expressed a willingness to comply but highlighted the logistical and security challenges they face.
Mr Chijioke Okpalugo, Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, pledged that traders would begin Monday operations in alignment with the Governor’s vision for “One Anambra.”
