Gov Soludo
Picnews
Traders in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, are protesting the shutdown of the market by Governor Chukwuma Soludo. The governor ordered the closure due to the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home order, which he claims costs the state economy around ₦8 billion weekly. The traders, however, argue that the shutdown will worsen their economic hardship and disrupt supply chains .
The protest began on Tuesday, with traders marching through the streets, carrying placards and chanting slogans against the government’s decision. They also expressed solidarity with the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, with some singing “Holy, Holy, Holy, Nnamdi Kanu is another saviour.
Security personnel were deployed to the market to enforce the shutdown, with armoured personnel carriers and patrol vans blocking major access roads. Traders attempted to defy the closure, but were turned back by security operatives. Some traders argued that insecurity remains the major reason they stay out of business on Mondays, citing allegations of kidnapping and murder against those who violate the sit-at-home order .
The IPOB has condemned the shutdown, describing it as punitive and intimidating. The group claims the sit-at-home order is a peaceful protest and not a crime. Governor Soludo, however, maintains that the action is necessary to restore economic stability and normalcy in the state.
The standoff highlights the ongoing tensions between the state government and traders in Onitsha Main Market. While the government insists it has provided adequate security, traders argue that fear persists, making it difficult for them to operate on Mondays.
The outcome of the protest remains uncertain, with traders vowing to continue their defiance. The situation is being closely watched, and it may have implications for the economic activities in the region.
