The Civil Liberties Organization, Anambra State chapter, has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to urgently reopen the Onitsha Main Market, warning that the continued closure is inflicting hardship on traders, consumers, and residents while heightening tension in the commercial hub.
The appeal followed the state government’s decision to shut the market over alleged non-compliance with the governor’s directive mandating business activities on Mondays. The move has drawn criticism from rights groups and market stakeholders who argue that the action is worsening economic strain in Onitsha and beyond.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Enugu, Chairman of the CLO in Anambra State, Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, said the closure had disrupted livelihoods and daily survival for thousands of families who depend on the market for income.
Ezekwueme urged the governor to temper enforcement with compassion, stressing that mercy and understanding often yield better outcomes than rigid punishment. He said many traders failed to comply with the directive due to inadequate sensitisation and lingering fears over their safety, rather than deliberate defiance of government authority.
According to him, reopening the market would help restore peace, normalcy, and confidence, while allowing traders to gradually adjust to the new policy under a more supportive security environment.
The CLO also called on prominent traditional and religious leaders in Anambra State to intervene and prevail on the governor to reverse the closure. Ezekwueme said respected figures such as the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, the Chairman of the Anambra State Council of Traditional Rulers, Igwe Alfred Achebe, and leading Christian clerics should prioritise the protection of lives and livelihoods by encouraging dialogue and restraint.
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He further appealed to traders to remain calm and law-abiding, noting that peaceful engagement remained the best path toward resolving the impasse.
While criticising the market shutdown, the CLO commended the Onitsha Police Area Commander, ACP Chidi Nzota, for his role in restoring order and safeguarding lives and property during recent tensions. The organisation also praised the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Hon. Chiboy Okpalaugo, for his efforts in sensitising traders on the need for peace and compliance with lawful directives.
As pressure mounts on the Anambra State Government, the CLO warned that prolonged closure of the Onitsha Main Market could deepen economic hardship, fuel unrest, and undermine public trust, urging swift action to reopen the market and stabilise the city.
