The Anambra state government has ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week over what it described as persistent economic sabotage linked to the Monday sit-at-home directive.
The directive was announced on Monday by Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, who said the action was necessitated by the market’s continued shutdown on Mondays despite repeated assurances by the government on security.
“Today, I have ordered the shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market for one week due to the protracted economic sabotage cloaked as ‘Monday sit-at-home’,” Soludo said.
He warned that the sanction would not be limited to Onitsha, stressing that any market in the state found shutting down operations on Mondays would face similar action.
According to the governor, the decision was taken to protect the state’s economy and safeguard the livelihoods of its people, noting that no individual or group has the authority to cripple economic activities.
“This action is not taken lightly. I am determined to protect the economic interests of our state and its people,” Soludo said.
He urged traders and market stakeholders to ignore sit-at-home calls and resume business as usual, describing such directives as acts of economic sabotage.
“Let us work together to build a prosperous Anambra. No one has the right to halt the lives and livelihoods of our people,” he added.
Soludo also issued a warning to those allegedly promoting or enforcing the sit-at-home order, saying the government would no longer tolerate actions that undermine economic stability.
Calling on residents to go about their lawful activities without fear, the governor assured that the state government would continue to ensure the security of lives and property, adding that Anambra must remain open for business and investment.
