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To ensure continuity of trade and commerce, leaders of markets in Anambra state have vowed to keep their markets open, resisting the call for shutdowns amid the #EndBadGovernance protests spreading across the country.
Onitsha and Nnewi, the economic lifelines of Anambra state, are thriving, with filling stations, banks, and motor transport services open for business, and the local population going about their daily lives with minimal disruption.
To quell the apprehensions and uncertainty among traders and customers, Chief Innocent Ezeoha, Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, has made it clear that the Igbo people are not participating in the protests, providing a sense of relief and stability.
“You can see that the shops are open for business and traders and customers going about peacefully.
“There is normalcy here. We are not part of the protest. We are already suffering the hardship, and staying at home doing nothing or pouring out on the streets to protest will not the best option.
“We want government at all levels to do the needful. They should also help traders by ensuring conducive environment for business to thrive in the country,” he said.
Read also: Protest: Ohanaeze Explains S-East States’ Non-Participation
James Oraka, a trader at Nkwo Nnewi Market, expressed his skepticism about the effectiveness of protests in addressing the country’s social issues, stating that they have never yielded tangible solutions.
“We, Igbos don’t want to be part of the protest because other tribes will say we engineered it at the end. We are learning from history.
“Go inside the market and see things for yourself that most traders are in their shops transacting business, and customers coming and going peacefully,” Oraka said.
The fuel pump attendants at the visited filling stations were found to be fully engaged in their duties, promptly serving customers and dispensing fuel in a seamless and orderly manner.
Businesses are operating as usual, with security personnel on hand to maintain order, providing a secure environment, and eschewing any behavior that could be construed as harassment or intimidation.
