Governor Soludo Orders Closure Until Next Monday as Traders Ignore State Directive
In a decisive move to enforce law and order, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has ordered the immediate shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market, Africa’s largest open market, until next Monday.
The action followed the failure of traders to comply with the Anambra State Government’s directive that Mondays are no longer sit-at-home days in the state.
Why the Market Was Shut
According to reports, despite repeated announcements and public sensitisation by the state government declaring an end to the Monday sit-at-home, many traders still refused to open their shops today, crippling economic activities in Onitsha.
State authorities view the continued compliance with sit-at-home as:
A major threat to Anambra’s economy
An act of economic sabotage
A setback to the government’s efforts to restore normalcy, security, and investor confidence
Governor Soludo has consistently maintained that Anambra cannot continue to lose billions of naira every Monday due to fear-induced shutdowns.
Government’s Position
The Soludo administration insists that:
Security has improved across the state
Residents and traders must resume full economic activities
Government will no longer tolerate actions that undermine its authority and economic recovery plans
The market closure is widely seen as a warning signal to other markets and institutions across the state that the government is ready to match words with action.
Mixed Reactions Trail Decision
The decision has sparked mixed reactions among residents and traders:
Supporters say it is a bold and necessary step to break the cycle of fear and revive the state’s economy.
Critics argue that traders are still acting out of fear for their safety and that enforcement alone may not address underlying security concerns.
The Big Question
👉 Do you agree with Governor Soludo’s decision to shut down Onitsha Main Market to enforce compliance?
👉 Is this the right approach to ending sit-at-home in Anambra State?
💬 Drop your thoughts in the comment box below and join the conversation.
