Awka, Anambra State — Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is set to meet with chairmen and secretaries of markets across the state on Thursday, January 29, over the continued observance of sit-at-home orders by traders, despite repeated government directives to resume business.
According to a letter issued by the Anambra State Ministry of Trade and Commerce, the meeting will hold at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Awka, by 11:00 a.m.
The invitation, signed on behalf of the commissioner by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Markets, Mr. Evarist Uba, was addressed to the leadership of the Anambra State Market Traders Association (ASMATA), including zonal, line, and market executives.
A senior government source told DAILY POST that the meeting was not a response to Tuesday’s protest by traders, dismissing claims that the state government had bowed to pressure. Instead, the source said the engagement followed appeals from market leaders seeking leniency and the reopening of markets.
The letter stated:
“President General of ASMATA, all market chairmen and secretaries, zonal chairmen and secretaries, as well as line chairmen and secretaries, are hereby invited to a crucial meeting with Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR, on matters of urgent importance.”
Tension had earlier engulfed the Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday after the state government ordered its closure and deployed heavy security personnel to enforce compliance.
Traders have continued to observe sit-at-home orders, citing the prolonged detention of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu, as their justification. However, market leaders reportedly intervened, reaching out to the state government to plead for the reopening of the markets.
It was gathered that security around Thursday’s meeting will be tight, with all participants subjected to screening to prevent any attempt by separatist groups to disrupt or hijack the engagement.
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