Tension in Anambra as Soludo Clamps Down on Sit-at-Home, Shuts Onitsha Market

Protests erupts at the popular Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State following the decision of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to shut down the market for one week over traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive against the sit-at-home practice.

The development follows Governor Soludo’s continued opposition to the sit-at-home observance, which is traditionally observed on Mondays across many parts of South-East Nigeria. The sit-at-home practice, initially enforced by separatist groups, has also been embraced by many residents as a symbolic act of remembrance for Igbo heroes, soldiers, and civilians who lost their lives during the Nigerian Civil War.

While the practice persists in several South-Eastern states, it has largely ceased in Awka, the Anambra State capital, where schools, markets, and businesses now operate fully on Mondays. Governor Soludo has repeatedly stated that Anambra State will no longer tolerate sit-at-home, describing it as an act of economic sabotage that hurts traders, workers, and the overall growth of the state.

According to reports, the governor visited Onitsha Main Market and expressed displeasure after discovering that commercial activities were largely shut down on a Monday. As a result, he ordered the closure of the market for one week as a warning to traders, insisting that all economic activities must resume fully on Mondays.

The situation escalated on Tuesday when traders who were unaware of the new directive arrived at the market, only to be turned back by security operatives enforcing the shutdown. This sparked outrage among traders and youths, leading to protests within and around the market premises.

Governor Soludo has since issued a further warning, stating that if traders continue to observe sit-at-home in defiance of government orders, the market could face additional shutdowns, including a possible indefinite closure. He reportedly warned that continued disobedience would attract even harsher measures.

As tensions remain high, residents and traders await further developments, with many calling for dialogue between the government and stakeholders to prevent further economic disruption in the state.