Commercial and economic activities were paralyzed on Monday across major markets in the commercial cities of Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia in Anambra State, despite Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to keep businesses open.
Last week, Soludo visited Onitsha Main Market, warning that any shop or plaza closed on Mondays due to the sit-at-home order would be sealed for up to one month. He lamented the continuous boycott of activities on Mondays in the South-East, arguing that the zone loses an estimated N19.6 billion every Monday.
“I am here to ensure that your shops are open. From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business.
“If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month. When you are ready to open, it must be from Monday through Saturday,” Soludo said.
The governor also promised a security presence around the markets, adding that policemen and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps would be patrolling to maintain law and order.
However, on Monday, most shops in major markets like Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market remained shut. The usual Monday closure of motor parks, banks, petrol stations, schools, offices, and law courts was also recorded.
Personnel from the NSCDC patrolled the markets and metropolis, conducting an “anti-sit-at-home operation” and encouraging people to come out.
Some traders, like Udoka, a textile trader at the Main Market, came to the market but were too fearful to open their shops.
“Some of us came around to observe the situation. The presence of the NSCDC officers is encouraging. If they can continue, it will be good,” Udoka said.
“Most people are afraid of opening their shops for fear of being attacked. Those that came to the market today are those selling by the roadside.”
The Indigenous People of Biafra had introduced the sit-at-home order every Monday across the South-East in August 2021 to pressure the Federal Government to release its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Although the group suspended the sit-at-home order except on days Nnamdi Kanu would appear in court, the people have continued to observe it out of fear.
Governor Soludo’s visit to the market was yet to materialize as promised, leaving traders and residents uncertain about the future of commercial activities in the state.
The ongoing sit-at-home order has significant economic implications, with the South-East losing billions every Monday. The state government’s efforts to restore normalcy and ensure economic activities continue uninterrupted face significant challenges.
