Ohanaeze Urges Anambra Governor to Reopen Onitsha Market

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has made a request to the governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, to reopen the Onitsha Main Market.

The appeal was voiced by John Azuta-Mbata, the President-General of the socio- cultural group, in a statement circulated by Ezechi Chukwu, the National Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze.

On Monday, Governor Soludo had ordered the market's closure for a week due to the traders' continued adherence to the sit-at-home directive from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Mbata stated that Ohanaeze recognized the government's concerns and explained that the closure was intended to promote order, safety, and long-term growth within the region.

He urged the governor to take into account the economic difficulties impacting traders and families whose livelihoods heavily depend on the daily activities of the market.

Reopening the market swiftly, he noted, would alleviate the financial pressure on the community, especially considering the current economic challenges.

“We commend Governor Soludo for his committed leadership and efforts to improve Anambra,” he remarked.

“In the spirit of inclusive governance, we seek to engage market leaders and stakeholders in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution.”

He further expressed confidence in the governor’s dedication to the people of Anambra, emphasizing Ohanaeze's commitment to continue backing peace, progress, and development.

A faction of the banned IPOB typically enforces the sit-at-home directives, aiming for the secession of the South-east and parts of the South-south from Nigeria.

The Anambra State Government claimed, without providing supporting details, that the sit-at-home order results in a loss of approximately N8 billion weekly to the state.

The reaction to the market's closure included protests from frustrated traders in Anambra, who on Tuesday supported the sit-at-home order to honor IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

On Wednesday, protesters blocked the River Niger Bridge that links Onitsha with Asaba in Delta State.

Governor Soludo has expressed his commitment to combatting the sit-at-home order, declaring that those advocating for it are undermining both the state’s and the South-east’s economy.

“The implications of the sit-at-home for Anambra State are profound. There are repercussions beyond mere revenue,” he explained.

“Consider the impact on the traders themselves; with each market closure, countless businesses suffer losses.”

He pointed out that many traders partake in informal economic activities in their neighborhoods on Mondays but fail to operate their businesses in the market under the pretense of insecurity.

“There is a far greater agenda behind this — a deliberate act of sabotage aimed at hindering Anambra and the South-east's development. We are determined to combat this through all legal means to put an end to it,” he affirmed.

The governor warned that permitting the continuation of the Monday sit-at-home would send a negative message to investors, suggesting that the state and region had accepted an alternate business framework.

“We are re-establishing a business schedule for Anambra and the South-east, allowing operations from Tuesday to Saturday or Friday, while the global economy operates under a different calendar,” he elaborated.

He reassured that security measures had been put in place within the Onitsha Main Market, indicating the presence of over 150 security personnel.

“Market traders cannot complain about insecurity when they have such security backing,” he concluded.

He also opined that the refusal of some to open their shops on Mondays was a matter of “sheer laziness,” a behavior that had developed during years of adhering to the sit-at-home order.