Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ continued failure to comply with the government’s directive to open for business on Mondays.
Addressing traders at the market on Monday, the governor warned that the shutdown would be extended if shops remain closed after the one week.
He said the market would be locked again for another week, and for longer periods if necessary, stressing that the government would no longer tolerate defiance of official directives.
Soludo described the sit-at-home practice as economic sabotage and said the government suspects criminal intent behind the continued closure of shops.
He warned that any shop found closed on Mondays would be sealed for one week, adding that the state is determined to protect law-abiding citizens and restore normal economic activities.
The governor noted that government offices and markets in other parts of the state, including Awka, are fully open, making the situation at the Onitsha Main Market unacceptable.
He emphasized that the closure was necessary to reinforce the authority of the state and prevent a practice he said had persisted long enough to risk becoming a norm.
Soludo cautioned traders that the government would take even tougher measures if the defiance continues, insisting that those unwilling to operate under the law are free to trade elsewhere, but not at the Onitsha Main Market.
