Market leaders in Anambra State, particularly in Onitsha, have implemented new measures to comply with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive against the Monday sit-at-home practice. Governor Soludo has been vocal about ending the sit-at-home, criticizing it for causing substantial economic losses and labeling it as meaningless and illegal.
To avoid conflict with the government while addressing security concerns, market leaders have opted to keep market gates open from morning until 5 p.m. on Mondays, the standard business hours. Despite the gates being open, many markets, including New Auto Spare Parts Market in Nkpor, Ogbaru Main Market, and Nkpor Main Market, were observed to be largely deserted with no trading taking place.
This approach comes in response to threats from the government to remove any market leader who complies with the sit-at-home order. Leaders face a dilemma between risking their positions or facing potential violence from unknown gunmen. The situation is further complicated by the recent abduction of market leaders, such as the Chairman of Mgbuka Amazu Old Motor Spare Parts Market, who remains missing.
Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu, Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market, confirmed the new arrangement, stating he remains at the market office throughout the day on Mondays. He expressed concern over the continued disappearance of his colleague from Mgbuka Amazu and criticized the lack of action from authorities to locate him.
