Major markets in Anambra State, including Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia, were shut down on Monday due to the ongoing sit-at-home order, defying Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to reopen . This move has resulted in significant economic losses, with estimates suggesting the region loses around N19.6 billion every Monday .
Soludo had previously warned that any trader or business that refused to open on Mondays would face severe penalties, including the sealing of shops for up to one month . However, despite the presence of security personnel, many traders opted to keep their shops closed, fearing attacks from unknown gunmen .
The sit-at-home order, initially introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in August 2021, was meant to pressure the Federal Government to release their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Although IPOB suspended the order, except on days Kanu appears in court, the people continue to observe it due to fear of attacks and solidarity with the cause .
Soludo had lamented the continuous boycott of activities on Mondays in the South-East, arguing that the zone lost an estimated N19.6bn every Monday.
He warned that any trader or business that refused to open on Mondays would face severe penalties, including the sealing of shops for up to one month.
He then said, “I am here to ensure that your shops are open. From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business.
If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month. When you are ready to open, it must be from Monday through Saturday.”
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s promise to ensure security presence around markets seems to be taking shape, as personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) were spotted patrolling markets and the metropolis on Monday. Their mission? To maintain law and order and encourage people to come out, as part of the “anti-sit-at-home operation” . However, despite this effort, many traders are still hesitant to open their shops due to fear of attacks and threats to their lives and properties.
Some traders, like Udoka, a textile trader at the Main Market, cautiously observed the situation, appreciating the NSCDC’s presence. “If they can continue, it will be good,” Udoka said, highlighting the need for sustained security measures. Unfortunately, the governor’s planned visit to the market didn’t materialize as promised.
The Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) sit-at-home order has had a profound impact on the economy and daily life in Nigeria’s southeast region. Introduced in August 2021, the order was meant to pressure the Federal Government to release IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who was detained in June of that year . Although IPOB later suspended the order, except for days when Kanu appears in court, the people continue to observe it due to fear of attacks .
