Soludo Threatens to Shut Down Shops of Traders Observing Monday Sit-at-Home

Adejumo Adekunle-

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to seal any shop or plaza that remains closed on Mondays due to the sit-at-home directive originally declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

During a recent inspection of the Main Market in Onitsha, Africa’s largest market, Soludo expressed his frustration over the high number of locked businesses. He aimed to assess the impact of the ongoing sit-at-home order on local commerce.

Since IPOB announced the sit-at-home in 2021 as a protest against the extraordinary rendition of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, the initiative has continued to hinder business operations in the South East, even after IPOB officially suspended it. Fear of violent repercussions has kept markets, schools, banks, and other businesses closed each Monday.

While inspecting the market, Soludo emphasized that traders refusing to open on Mondays would face significant consequences, including shop closures lasting up to one month. He warned that these continued business interruptions could harm the local economy, prompting customers to seek goods from other regions.

“I am here to ensure your shops are open. From now on, the Main Market must operate every Monday,” the governor stated. “Failing to open will result in your shop being sealed for one week, potentially extending to a month. When you choose to open, it must be Monday through Saturday.”

Soludo assured traders that strong security measures would be implemented to protect them, urging a full return to business activities on Mondays.