Chukwuma Soludo, the Anambra State Governor, has issued a strong warning to residents of the state, especially traders, to stop observing the Monday sit-at-home imposed on the Southeast by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
News About Nigeria reports that the governor also threatened to seal any shop or plaza that is closed on Mondays in compliance with the sit-at-home order.
Governor Soludo gave the warning during an inspection tour of the Main Market in Onitsha on Monday, where he expressed his displeasure over the large number of locked shops and plazas.
The governor who had visited the market, known as the largest in West Africa, to observe the level of commercial activity amid the lingering sit-at-home order was disappointed to have met calm instead of the ‘busyness’ that the market is known for.
Following this, the governor warned that any trader or business that refuses to open on Mondays would face severe penalties, including the sealing of shops for up to one month.
He noted that the persistent closure of businesses on Mondays is damaging the local economy as customers might start going to other regions to purchase goods.
He said, “I am here to ensure that your shops are open. From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business. If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month. When you are ready to open, it must be from Monday through Saturday.”
The governor also assured the traders that adequate security would be in place to protect them, ensuring that they are safe while they go about their businesses on Mondays.
Recall that the sit-at-home in the South East started upon declaration by IPOB in 2021. According to the group, the decision is to protest for the release of their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Though the exercise has continued to disrupt business activities in the South East, fear of violent enforcement as witnessed in the past has forced markets, schools, banks, and other businesses to remain closed every Monday.
