Markets to Reopen as Anambra Traders Agree on Ending Monday Sit-at-Home
Markets to Reopen as Anambra Traders Agree on Ending Monday Sit-at-Home
Business owners at the Onitsha Main Market and other commercial hubs across Anambra have formally committed to ending the weekly Monday sit-at-home exercise.
This resolution followed a high-level meeting with Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Thursday to address the economic stagnation in the state.
The traders announced their preparedness to return to full operations every Monday, aligning with the state government’s directives.
They acknowledged that the recurring protest has dealt a massive blow to the financial stability and growth of the South-East region.
Speaking on behalf of the traders, Chijioke Okpalugo, the Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, confirmed their willingness to back the Governor’s “One Anambra” vision. He noted that the restoration of Monday business is a necessary step toward regional recovery.
To ensure a smooth transition, the market leadership called for a significant increase in security personnel. They emphasized that a visible security presence is required to protect traders and customers from potential intimidation or harassment.
In addition to security, the traders requested that the government ensure all motor parks are fully functional on Mondays. This is intended to facilitate the transportation of goods and shoppers, which is essential for the markets to thrive.
Governor Soludo reaffirmed that all business premises in Anambra must remain open throughout the workweek. He assured the community that the state’s security framework would be redesigned to provide maximum protection for all commercial centers.
The Governor also dismissed the idea that the sit-at-home order is currently tied to the release of Nnamdi Kanu, labeling the continued enforcement as a “criminal enterprise.”
He pointed out the irony that the order is not observed in Kanu’s own hometown of Umuahia.
Soludo warned that many enforcers of the order are not residents of the state and stated that the government would take firm action against those attempting to disrupt public peace. He insisted that Igboland must be allowed to move forward economically.
Affirming their commitment, Chijioke Okpalugo stated: “Our governor is a listening and progressive-minded governor. We strongly believe that, with this appeal, he will consider us and reopen the market for our good because he loves his people. We have resolved to be opening for full activities on Monday. We have lost so much fortunes since the creation of the Monday sit-at-home in the south-east region. We are fully in support of the governor’s action against the Monday sit-at-home order.”
