Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has declared an end to the long-standing Monday sit-at-home directive in the state, insisting that those enforcing it are criminal elements, not supporters of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu.
Speaking during an interactive session with market leaders at the Light House, Awka, on Thursday, Soludo said the sit-at-home has evolved from a political protest into a “criminal enterprise” aimed at deliberate economic sabotage in the South-East.
He emphasised that Kanu does not support the sit-at-home, noting, “If it doesn’t happen in Umuahia, his hometown, why Onitsha and Nnewi?” The governor called on all markets and shops to operate normally every working day, including Mondays.
Addressing traders, Soludo offered two paths for the future of Onitsha Main Market: either a complete rebuilding into a modern trading hub or a major renovation of existing structures. He assured traders that the government would provide enhanced security to safeguard them and their customers.
The governor warned that many enforcing the sit-at-home are non-indigenes and promised “extreme measures” against continued defiance.
Market leaders expressed readiness to comply but requested logistical and security support, including visible law enforcement, functional motor parks, and measures to counter those who benefit from the closures. Onitsha Main Market Chairman, Chijioke Okpalugo, confirmed that traders would resume Monday operations in line with the governor’s vision of a “One Anambra.”
Soludo also reaffirmed plans to modernise Onitsha Main Market, ensuring it becomes a world-class commercial hub, saying, “All these efforts are geared towards the best interest of the traders, our children and our grandchildren. Igboland and Anambra must move forward. Business activities must continue irrespective of the option chosen.”
The announcement follows the temporary closure of Onitsha Main Market earlier this week after traders failed to comply with the state government’s directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order. Soludo warned that the closure could be extended if compliance is not achieved.