In a bold move to restore normalcy in Anambra State, Governor Chukwuma Soludo has announced that any shop or plaza remaining closed on Mondays in adherence to the sit-at-home order will be sealed. The governor issued this warning during his visit to Onitsha’s Main Market, the largest in West Africa, where he expressed dissatisfaction with the number of locked shops, a sign of the continued observance of the order.
The sit-at-home directive, originally initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2021, was intended to protest the extraordinary rendition of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Despite IPOB’s suspension of the order, fear of violent enforcement has kept schools, markets, banks, and other businesses shut on Mondays across the South East.
During his tour, Soludo emphasized the negative economic impact of the Monday closures, warning that customers might seek alternative markets in other regions if the situation persists. He reiterated that from now on, every Monday, the market must be fully operational, and any business failing to comply risks severe penalties, including the sealing of their premises for up to a month.
“If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, up to one month,” Soludo said. He assured traders of enhanced security measures to safeguard their businesses and encouraged full resumption of operations from Monday to Saturday.
The governor’s stance aims to revitalize the local economy and reduce the fear-driven compliance with the sit-at-home directive that has crippled commercial activities in the region. Traders are expected to resume regular business operations, with the government ready to enforce its order to ensure the economy thrives.
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