Soludo Walks Onitsha Market, Declares Monday Sit-At-Home Over
Soludo Visits Onitsha Market as Monday Shutdown Ends
Governor Marks Return to Business
GOVERNOR Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has officially declared an end to the long-standing Monday sit-at-home order in the state, signaling the resumption of normal commercial activities.
Soludo made the announcement yesterday during a walk-through of the Onitsha Main Market, a historic commercial hub in the South-East. The governor engaged directly with traders at high-traffic zones, including Ose Market, Bright Street, Lagos Line, and Emeka Offor Plaza, purchasing local goods to demonstrate that the fear factor that enforced the shutdown has dissipated.
“This walk-through is to show that the state is open for business,” Soludo said, emphasizing the importance of restoring economic confidence across Anambra.
Economic Impact of Civil Disobedience
The Monday sit-at-home order, imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has crippled the South-East economy since 2021. Streets in Onitsha, Nnewi, and Aba—the region’s commercial nerve centres—have remained largely deserted on Mondays, with schools, banks, motor parks, and businesses closed.
Despite government appeals, many business owners continued to comply due to lingering fears and a trust deficit. Mr. Vincent Eke, a bookseller at Ogbete Market in Enugu, explained that threats from non-state actors influenced his decision to keep his shop closed.
“Before now, I operated on Mondays, but after receiving detailed threats about my family and business, I decided to stay closed,” Eke said, noting that his children also did not attend school yesterday.
IPOB Commends Compliance
While the governor encouraged a return to normalcy, IPOB praised adherence to its sit-at-home directive. Spokesperson Emma Powerful described Monday’s compliance as a historic show of unity, reaffirming the region’s loyalty to IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
“From Omambala to Onitsha, the people have spoken with one voice. Our people are born free and will not submit to fear,” Powerful said.
Path to Economic Revival
Governor Soludo’s market walk-through reflects a strategic effort to restore trust and economic activity in Anambra. Authorities continue to work with traders and local stakeholders to encourage resumption of business while addressing security concerns that fueled years of civil disobedience.
The development marks a potentially transformative moment for the South-East, where the end of enforced sit-at-home orders could reinvigorate markets and support regional economic recovery.
