Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, has drawn a hard line on the long-running Monday sit-at-home saga — and this time, he means business.
In a closed-door meeting with market leaders in Awka, the governor announced a firm agreement: all markets across Anambra must now operate from Monday to Saturday, no exceptions.
Soludo openly blamed the enforcement of the sit-at-home order on people he described as mostly non-indigenes, insisting that the practice has gone far beyond its original political roots and has now turned into outright criminality.
The governor revealed that the continued shutdown of markets — especially in commercial hubs like Onitsha — has bled the state’s economy dry. According to him, his administration has exhausted dialogue, persuasion, religious appeals, and patience.
“This thing has dragged on for years. We begged, we prayed, we negotiated. Now, it’s time to act,” he told the traders.
As part of the crackdown, Soludo referenced his recent decision to shut the Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders continued observing Mondays off, despite government assurances on security.
He also dropped a major ultimatum: markets will no longer close on Mondays — period. Any resistance, he warned, would be met with “extreme measures” from the state.
Adding another twist, Soludo presented traders with two bold options for the Onitsha Main Market:
- Agree to a complete demolition and rebuild into a modern, world-class market, or
- Choose a full-scale renovation and upgrade of existing structures.
Whichever option they pick, the governor made it clear — Monday trading is non-negotiable.
In response, market leaders signaled readiness to comply but raised concerns over safety, transport access, and fear created by past intimidation. They called for stronger security presence, functional motor parks, and firm action against individuals profiting from the sit-at-home chaos.
Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalugo, pledged that traders would align with the government’s directive and resume Monday operations in support of Soludo’s “One Anambra” agenda.
Soludo, in turn, assured them that security across markets would be restructured, promising visible enforcement to protect traders and customers alike.
With a final note of defiance, the governor declared:
“Anambra — and Igbo land — must move forward.”
And this time, the signal is loud and clear. 🚦🔥
Be the first to comment