Awka, Anambra State — Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has accused unnamed politicians of orchestrating the renewed Monday sit-at-home observed in parts of the South-East, describing it as a deliberate act of economic sabotage.
The governor specifically identified Onitsha Main Market and Nnewi as the worst-affected areas, noting that the shutdown was designed to disrupt commercial activities and destabilize the state’s economy.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Light House in Awka, Soludo said the repeated closure of major markets was “not a coincidence,” but a coordinated move by what he described as enemies of Anambra State and the South-East region.
According to him, the actions amount to economic sabotage and will not be tolerated by his administration.
Soludo warned that the one-week closure imposed on Onitsha Main Market last Monday would remain in force and could be extended by an additional two weeks if traders fail to resume business on a Monday after the current sanction expires.
He also dismissed threats by some traders to institute legal action against the state government, insisting that the government acted within the law.
“Onitsha Main Market belongs to the Anambra State Government, and the government has the legal authority to make decisions concerning its use in the interest of public safety and order,” Soludo stated.
The governor further disclosed that the state government reserves the power to revoke shop ownership rights, pay compensation, and take over the market if overriding public interest so demands.
Questioning the rationale behind the renewed sit-at-home, Soludo noted that the market operated freely throughout the Christmas and New Year period without any major security incidents.
“Business activities were booming in the market every Monday and even on Sundays before the New Year celebrations,” he added.
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