Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has reaffirmed the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market after traders failed to open for business on Monday in observance of the sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Gatekeepers News reports that the decision, he said, followed repeated warnings to traders in the government-owned market, which is regarded as the largest in West Africa. Despite directives to operate normally, only a few shops were opened.
The closure comes amid growing concerns over the economic impact of recurring sit-at-home observances across the South-East, which the state government says is hurting revenue generation and budget implementation.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, Soludo said the market would remain shut for the rest of the week as part of efforts to protect Anambra’s economy.
“This is a struggle for the soul of Anambra’s future. Almost 80 percent of the people have given us a mandate to protect their welfare and security, and we must remain committed to that responsibility every day,” the governor said.
He noted that Mondays are crucial for commercial activity, as suppliers, traders and buyers typically conduct major transactions on that day.
Soludo warned that continued market closures could force businesses to relocate and weaken the state’s economy.
“If businesses do not open, people will take their trade elsewhere. That is the economic cost to the state, and we cannot allow Anambra’s economy to keep declining,” he added.
Schools, Markets Face Sanctions
The governor also directed private and public schools to operate fully from Monday to Friday, warning that institutions that fail to comply could face sanctions, including possible closure.
“If you are running a private school and you fail to open, we will take action. You have been licensed to operate as a school, and school days in Anambra are Monday to Friday,” he said.
Soludo described the sit-at-home order as a deliberate attempt to sabotage the economies of Onitsha, Nnewi and the wider state, vowing that his administration would resist any effort to destabilise Anambra.
“We are determined to take back our state on behalf of the people, whatever it costs,” he declared.
‘Anambra Is Not a Four-Day Work Week State’
Addressing security concerns, the governor said Anambra remains one of the safest states in Nigeria and disclosed that the government has intensified operations against criminal elements.
He also reassured investors, stressing that Anambra is not a “four-day work week state” and must maintain consistent economic activity.
“Anambra is one of the largest economies in Nigeria. You cannot list the top economies without counting Anambra,” Soludo said.
The governor warned that other major markets across the state must comply with government directives or risk similar sanctions, adding that any market that fails to open by Monday could face extended closure.
“The new Anambra we are building must become a reality. God has willed it, and we humans must make it happen,” he concluded.
