Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, on Wednesday reiterated that the Monday sit-at-home in markets across the state, particularly in Onitsha and Nnewi, will no longer be tolerated.
Speaking at a press briefing at the Light House, Awka, Soludo described the exercise as “calculated economic sabotage” and insisted that it officially ended in 2022. He noted that those still observing it are being sponsored to undermine the state’s economy.
The governor recalled that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, had dissociated himself from the sit-at-home during a visit to him in detention in 2022.
Soludo expressed concern that despite engagements with traders, market leaders, and other stakeholders, the Onitsha Main Market continues to observe the closure. He stressed that the market is state-owned and warned that traders who refuse to comply could have their shop ownership revoked.
“The purpose of this press conference is to clarify the issues at hand and why this must be deepened. This is a struggle for the soul of Anambra’s future,” Soludo said. “If shops remain closed again by next Monday, we will shut them down and require traders to undergo recertification. We are not joking about this.”
READ ALSO: Onitsha Traders Protest Governor Soludo’s Market Closure Order
He described the sit-at-home as a barrier to the state’s economic growth and a threat to the welfare of children, civil servants, and investors. “We cannot realise the potential of Anambra if we don’t tackle this now,” the governor said, adding that the state has put security measures in place, including 150 personnel at the market, making claims of insecurity baseless.
Soludo said the state has been patient since 2024 and 2025, but in 2026, decisive action will be taken against traders who refuse to operate on Mondays. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to make Anambra one of the safest states in Nigeria, stressing that the fight is about livelihoods, not politics.
Meanwhile, residents protesting the market closure blocked the Onitsha Head Bridge, chanting slogans opposing the government directive, according to a video shared by the African Democratic Congress.