Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, has thrown its weight behind Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, over his decision to temporarily shut the Onitsha Main Market as part of efforts to end the lingering sit-at-home practice in the South-East.
The closure followed Governor Soludo’s unscheduled visit to the market, where he observed widespread compliance with the Monday sit-at-home directive, despite repeated assurances by security agencies that traders could safely carry out their businesses. The governor described the development as a major economic setback for Anambra State and the entire South-East region.
According to the state government, the continued shutdown of markets and businesses every Monday has resulted in massive economic losses, running into billions of naira weekly. Authorities insist that the sit-at-home order, regardless of its origin, now amounts to self-inflicted economic hardship on the people of the region.
Reacting to the development, Ohanaeze Ndigbo said Governor Soludo’s action was timely and necessary, stressing that the survival of the Igbo economy depends heavily on free flow of commerce, especially in major trading hubs like Onitsha. The group warned that allowing fear to dictate economic activities would only deepen poverty and unemployment.
Ohanaeze further noted that the Onitsha Main Market, reputed to be one of the largest in West Africa, plays a critical role in sustaining millions of livelihoods, and any disruption to its operations has far-reaching consequences beyond Anambra State. It therefore urged traders to support government efforts aimed at restoring full business activities.
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The socio-cultural organisation also encouraged other governors in the South-East to adopt firm and coordinated measures to end the sit-at-home practice, insisting that a unified regional approach was necessary to defeat insecurity and economic sabotage.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Government has maintained that the market closure is temporary and corrective, not punitive. Officials said the move was intended to send a clear message that economic life in the state must not be held hostage by intimidation or illegal directives.
Security agencies were deployed around the Onitsha Main Market during the period of closure to maintain law and order, while government representatives engaged with market leaders to secure their cooperation in reopening the market for full business activities on Mondays.
Despite assurances from the government, some traders have expressed concerns over their safety, arguing that fear of attacks on routes leading to the market remains a major reason for staying away on Mondays. The government, however, insists that adequate security arrangements are in place to protect lives and property.
As consultations continue between the state government, market unions, and community leaders, authorities have reiterated their resolve to reopen the market fully and sustain normal economic activities. With Ohanaeze’s backing, Governor Soludo’s administration appears set to press ahead in its bid to end the sit-at-home culture and revive commercial confidence in Anambra State and the wider South-East.
