Traders across Anambra State, particularly in the bustling city of Onitsha, defied Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to open their shops on Monday, leaving major markets completely deserted. Despite the governor’s stern warning that non-compliant businesses would be sealed off, traders chose to keep their shops closed, signaling widespread apprehension.
Onitsha, the state’s commercial heartbeat, saw its key markets, including the Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Head Bridge Market, and the Building Materials Market, remain shut. While residents were seen moving about the streets, the absence of open shops painted a picture of caution.
Governor Soludo, who has been pushing for the resumption of business activities on Mondays, personally toured markets and neighborhoods like Nkwo Igbo-Ukwu, Afor Nnobi, Nnewi, and Upper Iweka to assess compliance. Though he observed people moving about, many shops opted to stay closed, citing safety concerns despite the increased security presence.
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“I appreciate the governor’s efforts, but people are still afraid. There’s a noticeable change today with more cars on the roads, but it will take time for traders to feel comfortable enough to open their shops,” said Moses, a trader at Onitsha Main Market.
Security operatives were out in full force, patrolling the streets and markets to ensure law and order, while the governor interacted with traders and residents, urging them to resume business and cooperate with government efforts to restore normalcy.
However, some traders, like a man who sells clothes in the market, admitted they were unaware of the governor’s directive, highlighting that fear still lingers from previous tensions in the state. “We need to feel safe before we can think about opening on Mondays,” she said.
Governor Soludo assured the public that safety measures were in place and encouraged traders to gradually reopen their businesses to boost the state’s economy. “The sooner we all return to our normal business activities, the quicker we can strengthen our economy and secure our future,” he stressed.
