Soludo Announces Pact with Markets to End Sit-at-Home, Points to “Non-Indigenes” as Enforcers

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has stated that the enforcement of the controversial Monday sit-at-home order is largely carried out by “non-indigenes,” as he announced a new agreement with market leaders to ensure trading from Monday to Saturday statewide.

The governor made the declaration during a meeting in Awka with market leaders on Saturday, detailed in a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor. The meeting was part of efforts to restore full commercial activity, particularly at the Onitsha Main Market, which Soludo shut down for one week due to traders’ adherence to the Monday lockdown.

Governor Soludo stressed that the persistent sit-at-home observance has crippled the state’s economy, affirming his administration’s resolution that all markets and shops must remain open every working day. He characterized the practice, which began as an IPOB political protest, as having degenerated into a “criminal enterprise” that no longer serves the interest of the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

“For four years, we engaged with you. We discussed, pleaded… It is now time for more action,” Soludo told the leaders, warning that “extreme measures” would be deployed to enforce compliance.

The governor presented market leaders with a “renovate or rebuild” ultimatum for the Onitsha Main Market. Traders must choose between agreeing to a complete demolition for a new world-class complex or opting for a comprehensive modernization of existing structures. He emphasized that under either option, Monday shutdowns would no longer be permitted.

In response, the market leadership, led by Onitsha Main Market Chairman Mr. Chijioke Okpalugo, expressed willingness to comply and resume Monday operations. They cited past security and logistical challenges as hindrances and called for enhanced security presence, operational motor parks, and action against those profiting from the sit-at-home order.

Governor Soludo assured traders of plans to overhaul security in major commercial centres to prevent harassment, declaring, “Igbo land and Anambra will move forward.”