Our markets must open on Mondays for the sake of the state's economy - Soludo

---

---

By Madu Obi

Governor Chukwuma Soludo has insisted that all markets and shops across the state must remain open every working day, including Mondays, stressing that the move is aimed at restoring the economy of the state.

The governor made the declaration during an interactive session with market leaders from all parts of the state. The meeting came on the heels of the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and the persistent growing Monday sit-at-home that has crippled commerce in the Southeast for years.

Addressing the traders of Onitsha Main Market specifically, Governor Soludo gave them an ultimatum to "renovate or rebuild" the economy of the state.

He muted the idea of leveling the existing structures to build a completely new, world-class trading hub, or embark on a massive modernization project. According to him, regardless of the choice, the era of Monday closures is over.

"I decided to oblige this meeting as an interactive session so I can once again listen to you.

For four years, we engaged with you. We discussed, pleaded, and even held prayer sessions with all the churches in April 2022 to end this. It is now time for more action", he said.

Governor Soludo was firm that the current enforcement of the sit-at-home order has transitioned from a political protest to a criminal enterprise that no longer serves the interest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

He said: "It is not linked to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. In 2016/2017, I led 13 Igbo stakeholders to see him , and afterwards addressed a press conference asking for his release, and he was released afterwards.

I also visited him in DSS custody in March after I assumed office. He does not support the sit-at-home. If it doesn't happen in Umuahia, his hometown, why Onitsha and Nnewi?"

He further alleged that those enforcing the order are largely non-indigenes of Anambra State and warned that "extreme measures" would be deployed by the government if the defiance persists.

Governor Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to securing the state’s commercial hubs, promising that the security architecture across all markets would be overhauled to prevent harassment.

"Igbo land and Anambra will move forward," the governor declared.

Responding, the leadership of the markets expressed willingness to comply, highlighting, however, the logistical and security challenges they are facing.

Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Mr. Chijioke Okpalugo pledged that traders would begin Monday operations in alignment with the Governor’s vision for a "One Anambra."

The traders’ leadership presented several requests to ensure that the transition is successful, including: a visible and proactive security presence to protect traders and customers.

They also urged government to ensure that motor parks are fully operational to bring buyers from outside the state, as well address those who benefit from the closures or facilitate the enforcement of the sit-at-home.