Anambra Sit at Home Order Eases as Markets Open Following Soludo’s Directive
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The order by Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo for markets to open on Mondays may have further aggravated the already fragile security situation in parts of the state in the early hours of the day.
As early as 6am, many streets across Anambra were deserted, with very few vehicles on the roads and school buses moving without pupils.
A Naijaeyes Blog investigation showed that the disputed Onitsha Main Market was open on Monday morning, but only a handful of traders were present. Some traders were seen loitering around, while many shops remained locked despite the directive on the Anambra sit at home order.
A trader who spoke to our correspondent at Lagos Line in Onitsha Main Market revealed that traders were asked to sign an attendance register with a clock-in time to confirm compliance with the governor’s order. According to the trader, the exercise was meant to show that markets were officially open despite the lingering fear.
Others, however, blamed Soludo for the poor turnout, saying the sit at home order was already fading before the directive revived tension. They claimed some separatist elements had renewed threats against anyone who dared to open their shops on Mondays.
By about 12pm, the situation began to change as traders gradually returned to the markets and opened their shops for normal business activities. Commercial activities slowly picked up across major trading areas, easing earlier tension linked to the Anambra sit at home order.
Speaking at Emeka Offor Plaza, a phone accessories dealer, Mrs. Chinyere expressed satisfaction with the development. “We are happy that Monday trading has commenced. We thank Soludo for making it happen. How can people be trading in other parts of the Southeast, but here in Anambra we cannot do same. We are happy with Soludo.”
Meanwhile, there was a heavy security presence in and around the markets as police and military vans patrolled strategic locations. Security operatives were deployed to ensure safety and encourage traders and residents to go about their lawful activities.
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