Anambra State Faces Tension Over End of Monday Sit-at-Home Order
There is growing apprehension in Anambra State following Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive that the Monday sit-at-home order must end by October 15, 2024. During a recent visit to Onitsha, the governor warned that any shops or plazas remaining closed on Mondays would be sealed.
Many traders expressed their concerns, stating they would comply with the governor’s order if adequate security measures were implemented in the markets. Soludo highlighted the economic impact of the continued boycott, estimating a loss of approximately N19.6 billion every Monday in the South East.
The sit-at-home order was initially introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in August 2021 as a means to pressure the Nigerian government for the release of their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Although the order was later suspended and restricted to court appearance days, fear has kept many residents in line with the original directive across the five South East states: Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Anambra.
Despite IPOB disowning the ongoing enforcement of the sit-at-home order, claiming that those who continue to impose it are criminals, a faction led by Simon Ekpa has threatened violence against violators, perpetuating the culture of fear.
This environment has led to significant closures in markets, schools, banks, and other businesses every Monday. Previous attempts by state governors to abolish the sit-at-home order met with resistance, although some cities have gradually begun to see a return to normalcy.
Governor Soludo’s recent assessment of Onitsha’s main market revealed near-total closures, prompting his call for an end to the sit-at-home practice and the restoration of commercial activity. As the deadline approaches, the situation remains tense, with many awaiting assurances of safety before fully engaging in the economic revival efforts in the region.
Governor Soludo Urges Market Reopening on Mondays Amid Support from Trader Associations
In a decisive move, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has mandated that all main markets in Anambra State must open for business every Monday. He stated that any shop failing to comply will face sealing for a week, or potentially up to a month. He emphasized that when businesses are ready to open, they must operate from Monday through Saturday.
Assuring traders of their safety, Soludo announced that adequate security measures would be implemented to protect them as they resume normal operations. His call for action received backing from the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) and the Urban Drivers Welfare Association of Anambra State (UDWAAS).
Following a meeting in Onitsha, Chief Humphrey Anuna, President General of ASMATA, and other executive members pledged their support for the governor’s initiative. They recognized the detrimental impact of the sit-at-home order on trading and logistics within the state and expressed their commitment to ending the practice.
The leader of UDWAAS echoed these sentiments, stating that the negative effects of the sit-at-home order had become increasingly concerning for residents and businesses alike. He highlighted the role of drivers as critical stakeholders in this initiative and assured the public that transportation services would be available to facilitate access to markets every Monday.
By garnering support from key stakeholder groups, Soludo aims to restore economic activity in Anambra, encouraging both traders and customers to return to their regular business routines. As security measures are put in place, the governor’s directive marks a pivotal step toward revitalizing the local economy and reducing the grip of fear that has kept many businesses shuttered.