Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has taken a major step toward ending the long-standing Monday sit-at-home tradition, as markets across the state resumed operations on Monday.
Despite early fears of possible attacks, traders and customers eventually returned to the markets in large numbers. By midday, shops that had remained shut earlier in the day were fully opened for regular commercial activities.
Many residents initially believed the governor’s directive to reopen markets on Mondays could worsen the already fragile security situation in the state. This concern was evident early in the morning, as several streets were deserted from as early as 6am, with no vehicular movement and school buses operating without students.
At the Onitsha Main Market, most shops remained locked in the early hours, while traders gathered nearby, hesitant to commence business due to security concerns. However, confidence gradually grew, and by around noon, traders opened their shops and resumed sales.
One trader at the Lagos Line section of the Onitsha Main Market told our correspondent that traders were instructed to sign an attendance register, including clock-in times, as directed by the state government.
Another trader, Mrs. Chinyere, who sells phone accessories at the Emeka Offor Plaza, expressed joy over the development. She said traders were relieved that business could now continue on Mondays, noting that Anambra should not be different from other South-East states where trading takes place freely.
Security presence was noticeably high, with police and military personnel patrolling market areas to ensure safety.
Governor Soludo later arrived at the market around 2pm and was warmly received by cheering traders. He went from shop to shop purchasing goods, reassuring traders of their safety. Declaring an end to the sit-at-home in Onitsha, the governor described the reopening as historic, noting that it marked the first full Monday business activity in about five years.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) commended both the traders and the governor for the bold move. In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group described the action as a positive step toward reviving the South-East economy, which has suffered setbacks due to insecurity.
HURIWA also raised concerns over the reported reappearance of a notorious IPOB commander, Ifeanyi Okorienta Eze, also known as “Gentle de Yahoo,” who was previously announced as captured by the Nigerian Army. The group called on security authorities to transparently address the controversy surrounding his alleged return.
According to Onwubiko, Nigerians deserve clear and credible evidence regarding the status of the suspected terrorist, urging the Defence Headquarters to make public the findings of its investigation to restore public confidence.
