Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to traders who shut their shops in observance of the weekly sit-at-home directive linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), declaring that such actions could lead to the loss of their shops.
The governor made this known during a statewide broadcast on Wednesday, January 28, following the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market. The market was shut by government order on Monday after traders reportedly complied with the sit-at-home directive in solidarity with IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. The action, which has repeatedly paralysed economic activities across the state, triggered protests by some traders on Tuesday, January 27, who demanded the reopening of the market.
In his address, Soludo described the persistent shutdown of businesses as a major threat to the state’s economic growth, stressing that losing a significant portion of productive workdays undermines job creation, income generation, and overall prosperity.
He noted that while the government had exercised restraint in previous years, it would now take firmer action. The governor warned that traders who voluntarily close their shops would face extended closures imposed by the state, and that persistent defaulters risk having their shops taken over and reassigned to individuals willing to operate.
Soludo further stated that the government has the legal authority to revoke ownership of market stalls in the interest of public good and would begin enforcing such powers in the coming weeks if necessary. While he expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with stakeholders, he maintained that the continuous opening of markets was non-negotiable.
The governor also disclosed plans to meet with market leaders on Thursday, January 29, adding that any market that fails to operate next Monday, February 2, may face closure for up to two weeks as part of enforcement measures.
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