Soludo Stands Firm on Onitsha Main Market Closure

Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, has reiterated that there will be no reversal of the decision regarding the closure of the Onitsha Main Market. He claims that the persistent Monday sit-at-home enforced by traders is a form of deliberate economic sabotage facilitated by politicians.

During a press conference in Awka on Wednesday, Soludo emphasized that the state government is prepared to revoke ownership rights of shops or even seize and redevelop the market if traders do not adhere to the directive mandating resumption of normal trading on Mondays.

"I want to clarify that the Monday sit-at-home is a deliberate act of economic sabotage and it will not be permitted to continue," stated the governor. "If it becomes necessary to revoke shop ownership or take control of the market, we will take the necessary steps to rectify this situation."

Soludo dismissed suggestions that insecurity was causing traders to refrain from attending the market on Mondays, pointing out that the markets were fully operational during the festive season without incidents.

"If insecurity was indeed the problem, why did the markets operate smoothly from Monday to Saturday and even on Sundays throughout the holiday period?" he queried. "People attend meetings, exercise in stadiums, and move about freely on Mondays, yet Onitsha Main Market remains the target for this sit-at-home."

The governor traced the origins of the sit-at-home to 2021, linked to the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but contended that the situation has since been manipulated by external forces.

"I visited Kanu while he was in detention, and he told me that the sit-at-home was misguided," Soludo added. "We established a Justice Peace Committee, acted upon its recommendations, granted amnesty to over 15,000 youths, and made significant investments in enhancing security."

According to Soludo, Anambra cannot function with a four-day economy while competing with other states operating on a full-time business schedule.

"The global economy will not conform to our calendar," he asserted. "Monday is the primary trading day. This issue transcends government revenue; it is vital for the livelihoods of traders, the economically disadvantaged, and the entire economy."

Additionally, Soludo alleged that certain politicians are financing the continued sit-at-home for their own political benefits and warned that they will soon be identified.

"Some politicians are behind this sabotage, mistakenly believing it is political," he stated. "Very shortly, we will disclose their identities. This matter is essential to the future, security, and welfare of Anambra State."

He cautioned that the process of recertifying shop ownership will commence within weeks, emphasizing that traders unwilling to open on Mondays risk losing their shops to others who are eager to engage in commerce.

"If you are not inclined to open your shop, look for other places," Soludo warned. "We will withdraw your shop rights and allocate it to those ready and willing to operate."