In a decisive move to enforce compliance with the state’s directive against the controversial Monday sit-at-home order, Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has ordered the immediate shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market for one week in the first instance.
The action follows repeated defiance by traders at the popular market, who did not open for business despite a government warning to disregard the sit-at-home order imposed by non-state actors.
The order, which has disrupted economic and social activities across the South-East for years, was publicly condemned by the Soludo administration, which urged residents to go about their lawful activities without fear.
The Governor stated that if traders do not open at the expiration of the shutdown, the market will be closed for one month and subsequently for longer periods, pointing out that the closure is a necessary step to protect law-abiding citizens and reinforce the authority of the state, stressing that the government cannot stand by while a few individuals wilfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy.
Security personnel, including the police and the army, among others, were immediately deployed to seal the market gates and ensure compliance.
