Posted by Samuel on Sat 31st Jan, 2026 - tori.ng
The governor made the claim in Awka, the state capital as he announced an agreement with market leaders to ensure that markets operate from Monday to Saturday across the state, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner of Information, Law Mefor.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State stated that the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home order throughout the state is primarily carried out by non-indigenes.
The governor made the claim in Awka, the state capital as he announced an agreement with market leaders to ensure that markets operate from Monday to Saturday across the state, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner of Information, Law Mefor.
The governor disclosed this during a meeting with leaders of markets across Anambra State, held in Awka, as part of efforts to restore full commercial activities, particularly in the Onitsha Main Market, which he shut down for one week over traders’ continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home order.
Soludo said the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home had severely undermined the state’s economy, stressing that his administration had resolved that all markets and shops must remain open on every working day.
According to him, the sit-at-home practice, which initially emerged as a form of political protest by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has degenerated into what he described as a criminal enterprise that no longer serves the interest of the imprisoned IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu
“For four years, we engaged with you. We discussed, pleaded, and even held prayer sessions with all the churches in April 2022 to end this. It is now time for more action,” Soludo said to the market leaders.
The governor also warned that the state government would deploy “extreme measures” to enforce compliance if the directive was flouted, claiming that those currently enforcing the sit-at-home order were not largely from Anambra State.
Governor Soludo presented market leaders with a “renovate or rebuild” option for the Onitsha Main Market.
He said traders could either agree to the demolition of the existing structures in the market to allow for the construction of a new, world-class market complex or opt for a comprehensive modernisation of the current facilities.
The governor emphasised that regardless of the option chosen by the market leaders, markets would no longer be allowed to shut down on Mondays.
Responding, the leadership of the markets expressed willingness to comply with the government’s directive but raised concerns over security and logistics, which they said had hindered Monday trading in the past.
The Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Mr Chijioke Okpalugo, assured the governor that traders would begin operating on Mondays in line with the administration’s “One Anambra” vision.
The market leaders also called for a more visible security presence in markets, the full operation of motor parks to enable buyers from outside the state access markets, and firm action against individuals who benefit from or facilitate the sit-at-home order.
In his response, Governor Soludo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to rejigging market security across the state, assuring traders that the government would overhaul the security architecture in all major commercial centres to prevent harassment and intimidation.
“Igbo land and Anambra will move forward,” the governor declared.