Professor Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra State, has ordered a one-week closure of the Onitsha Market due to traders’ disobedience for the state government’s order to disregard Monday sit-at-home order.
The governor, along with a few of his assistants and other government representatives, issued the order on Monday while visiting the Onitsha market.
Security agencies have locked the market to execute the order, but Soludo cautioned that if merchants disregard the decision, the closure might be prolonged.
On Monday, the governor characterized the development as the most recent—and possibly most drastic—salvo in a long-running battle for control of South-East economic life.
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According to Soludo, several sellers at the famous Onitsha market once again opted to keep their stalls shut in spite of repeated promises of increased security and requests to reclaim public areas.
He claimed that their absence amounted to a silent uprising that yet made a strong statement about the pervasive atmosphere of dread.
Soludo said, “The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy. This is plain economic sabotage.
Read Also: Major Sanction As Anambra Govt to Slash Workers’ Pay Over IPOB Sit-At-Home
“You either decide that you are going to trade here or you go elsewhere. I am very serious about this,” the governor added.
The scene at the market on Monday was marked by tense enforcement, as a joint task force comprising police, army, and other security agencies was seen securing the perimeter.
The impasse in Onitsha, where the gates are still sealed this week, draws attention to the larger fight to end the Monday sit-at-home.
The traders will be the focus of attention when the market reopens on Monday of next week. It will be interesting to see if they will return to their stalls in response to the state’s display of force or if empty aisles will result in a different outcome.
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The conclusion could impact not only the market’s destiny but also Anambra State’s Monday economic rhythm.
In an attempt to restore economic stability and put an end to disturbances brought on by frequent sit-at-home observances, the state government had previously instructed traders and companies to carry on with regular operations on Mondays.
This comes after the state government on Saturday announced that it will begin deductions of workers salary over the sit-at-home
Journalists in Awka were informed by Law Mefor, the state Commissioner for Information, that starting in February 2026, civil servants’ wages will be determined on their attendance on Mondays.
According to Mefor, the decision was made during the Anambra State Executive Council’s end-of-tenure retreat in Awka, which examined the administration’s actions during its final four years in office and set priorities for the upcoming term that would start on March 17, 2026.
