By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, on Monday January 26, 2026, ordered the immediate closure of the Onitsha Main Market
The closure order which is for an initial one week, may be extended if the traders continue not to comply with the directive to shun the every-Monday sit-at-home order in the State.
The Source reports that Governor Soludo had, at the weekend, warned civil servants in particular not to observe the Monday sit-at-home order proclaimed by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB to press home it’s demand for the release of its detained leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The Anambra State Governor threatened to deduct the salaries of civil servants who refuse to heed the call to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.
The State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, while briefing the media on the directives noted that beginning from February this year, civil servants salaries will be paid taking congizance of attendance on Mondays.
Governor Soludo who issued the directive for the closure of the market on Monday during an on-the- spot visit to the Main Market, warned that the State’s economic life cannot be yielded to the activities of non-state actors.
According to him, the decision to close the Market is an indication that Government will no longer tolerate the lockdown of the economy of the state every Monday.
He expressed regrets and disappointment that the traders could still lock their shops and the market despite repeated assurances of enhanced security.
“The Government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy . This is plain economic sabotage ,and it can no longer be tolerated..
“We are not going to allow the development to continue. The closure of the market is a protective measure for law abiding residents.
“You either decide that you are going to trade here or you go elsewhere . I am very serious about it- Gov Soludo stated.
The Source further reports that following the closure order, security agents were observed on Monday sealing all entry and exit points of the popular Market.
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