The Anambra state government has declared the reopening of Onitsha main Market on Monday, February 2, for full commercial and economic operations following a one-week hiatus.
Anambra’s governor, Chukwuma Soludo, ordered the Onitsha main market to be temporarily closed after vendors disobeyed the state’s decision to disregard the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) long-standing Monday sit-at-home order.
During an on-site visit to the market with senior authorities and security personnel, Soludo gave the order for the closure.
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He cautioned that failure to comply might result in heavier penalties or a longer closure.
IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful responded to the closure by announcing a complete lockdown across the southeast on February 2 in support of the traders and as a protest against the Onitsha main market closure.
Powerful urged banks, schools, and other establishments to remain closed, characterising the movement as peaceful and consensual.
The Anambra commissioner for information, Law Mefor, acknowledged in a statement on Sunday that the one-week closure had ended over the weekend.
“This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, lapses this weekend,” the statement read.
“Ndị Anambra and residents are assured of adequate security and are encouraged to report any security concerns to 5111.
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“Meanwhile, civil servants and teachers are reminded that the pro-rata salary system remains in force — no work on Monday, no pay.
“Parents are also advised to release their children for school on Mondays to avoid sanctions.”
The government urged residents to disregard threats from non-state actors, reaffirming its commitment to providing maximum security statewide.
