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The thriving commercial cities of Anambra State, including Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia, saw their economic activities come to an abrupt standstill on Monday. Markets that normally serve as economic engines for these areas were paralyzed, leaving traders and customers alike facing a day of inactivity and uncertainty.
There was a noticeable decline in the number of traders who came out to do business, as many shops in key markets, including Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market, remained firmly closed, their doors locked and streets unusually quiet. The low turnout was particularly striking in areas usually known for their constant hustle and bustle.
As is common for Mondays, the closure extended beyond just the markets, with motor parks, banks, petrol stations, schools, offices, and law courts also locked up for the day. The absence of activity from these essential services compounded the sense of a full-scale pause in commercial and public life across the region.
This defied last week’s stern warning from Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who, during a visit to Onitsha Main Market, vowed to shut down any shop or plaza that remained closed on Mondays in observance of the sit-at-home.
His directive aimed to restore normalcy to commercial activities, but the persistent closures indicated a deeper adherence to the sit-at-home order despite the governor’s threat.
Governor Soludo has criticized the continuous halt of activities on Mondays within the South-East, arguing that this trend leads to an estimated economic loss of N19.6 billion each week. He stressed the importance of overcoming this challenge to enhance the region’s economic performance.
Read also: Anambra: Unease As Soludo Enforces Counter Sit-At-Home Order
He warned that any trader or business that refused to open on Mondays would face severe penalties, including the sealing of shops for up to one month.
He then said, “I am here to ensure that your shops are open. From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business.
“If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month. When you are ready to open, it must be from Monday through Saturday.”
The governor also promised a security presence around the markets, adding that policemen and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps would be patrolling to maintain law and order.
At the time of filing this report on Monday, the governor was yet to visit the market as promised.
Meanwhile, personnel of the NSCDC were observed patrolling some of the markets, and metropolis, conducting “anti-sit-at-home operation,” while encouraging people to come out.
Some of the traders who came to the markets on Monday stood around their shops for fear that opening posed a threat to their lives and properties.
A textile trader at the Main Market, Udoka, said, “Some of us came around to observe the situation. The presence of the NSCDC officers is encouraging. If they can continue, it will be good.
“Most people are afraid of opening their shops for fear of being attacked. Those that came to the market today are those selling by the roadside.”
The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra had, in August 2021, introduced the sit-at-home order every Monday across the southeast to pressure the Federal Government to release its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Although the group suspended the sit-at-home order except on days Nnamdi Kanu would appear in court, the people have continued to observe it for fear of attack.
