Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to traders and business owners, threatening to seal any shop or plaza that remains closed on Mondays in compliance with the sit-at-home directive previously declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
During an inspection of the Main Market in Onitsha, the largest market in West Africa, Soludo expressed frustration over the high number of locked shops and plazas. His visit was aimed at assessing commercial activities amidst the ongoing sit-at-home situation.
Since IPOB first enforced the sit-at-home order in 2021 to protest the extraordinary rendition of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, businesses across the South East have been severely disrupted every Monday. Despite IPOB’s official suspension of the order, fear of violent enforcement has kept markets, schools, banks, and other businesses closed.
Related NewsObiora Okonkwo: “Soludo Is a Problem, Not a Solution for Anambra State”
Soludo Establishes Commission to Resolve Anambra’s Ogwuaniocha Crisis”
Governor Soludo made it clear that the days of Monday business shutdowns must end, warning that any shop or business that refuses to operate will face strict penalties, including sealing for up to a month.
“The continued closure of businesses on Mondays is hurting our economy,” Soludo said. “If traders don’t open their shops, customers may start taking their business elsewhere, damaging the local economy.”
He emphasized that starting immediately, the Main Market and all other commercial areas must remain open from Monday to Saturday, or they risk closure.
He also reassured traders that adequate security measures will be in place to protect them and urged everyone to return to full business operations on Mondays.
