The Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market has declared the one-week closure of the commercial hub by the Anambra State Government a necessary and long-overdue action. The shutdown aims to counter the economic damage caused by compliance with the weekly Monday sit-at-home order.
Chairman Chijioke Okpalaugo, addressing journalists in his office on Tuesday, stated that Governor Chukwuma Soludo's decisive move was intended to restore the market’s former economic vitality. He expressed full support for the governor’s action, which was triggered by traders refusing to open for business this past Monday despite repeated government appeals.
Governor Soludo ordered the immediate closure during a personal inspection of the deserted market on Monday. The state government has estimated that the weekly sit-at-home protests, initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), cost Anambra State approximately ₦8 billion weekly. The broader South-East region reportedly suffers losses nearing ₦19.6 billion each Monday.
In a firm statement, Governor Soludo characterized the continued adherence to the order as "plain economic sabotage" and a willful undermining of public safety. He warned that the market could remain sealed for up to one month if traders fail to comply with directives to resume normal operations.
While firmly endorsing the governor's stance, Chairman Okpalaugo appealed for the market to be reopened after the stipulated one-week period. He described Prof. Soludo as a listening and progressive leader, expressing hope that their formal appeal would be considered.
The chairman confirmed that traders received official notification of the potential closure on Thursday, January 22. He urged all market traders to remain calm and law-abiding, denying reports of any casualties or unrest related to the closure. He emphasized that the market community was complying with the government's directive.
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