Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has directed that all markets and shops across the state must open for business on Mondays and other viable trading days, as part of renewed efforts to revive economic activities.
The governor issued the directive on Thursday in Awka during an interactive meeting with market and line leaders drawn from different parts of the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the engagement followed the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market and the persistent Monday sit-at-home practice in some parts of the South-East.
Addressing the traders, Soludo disclosed that his administration was weighing a “renovate or rebuild” option for the Onitsha Main Market.
He explained that the plan could involve either a complete redevelopment of the market into a modern trading hub or a comprehensive upgrade of the existing structures.
According to him, whichever option is eventually adopted, the era of Monday market closures in Anambra is over.
“The sit-at-home practice has evolved from a political protest into a criminal activity and it is not in anyway linked to Mr Nnamdi Kanu,” Soludo said.
He added, “I do not support the sit-at-home order and it is not even observed in Umuahia, his hometown.
“We will deploy stronger measures to enforce compliance, as many of those enforcing the sit-at-home are not indigenes of Anambra.”
In their responses, market leaders pledged to comply with the governor’s directive but expressed concerns over security and logistics.
The Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Mr. Chijioke Okpalugo, said traders were ready to resume Monday trading in line with the governor’s vision.
He appealed for increased security presence in markets to protect traders and customers, while also calling for the full operation of motor parks to facilitate the movement of buyers from within and outside the state.
Okpalugo further urged the government to take action against individuals who benefitted from or aided the enforcement of the sit-at-home.
In his remarks, Soludo assured traders that the state government would overhaul the security architecture around markets to prevent harassment and ensure the safety of lives and property.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to restoring normal commercial activities and sustaining economic growth across Anambra State. (NAN)
