By Gloria Onyeanusi
As traders count losses and plead for mercy, market leadership frames shutdown as tough medicine to revive commerce and restore confidence.
The Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Chijioke Okpalaugo, has thrown his weight behind Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s one-week closure of the market, describing it as a hard but necessary decision to rescue the commercial hub from economic decline triggered by the Monday sit-at-home order linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Speaking to journalists in his office in Onitsha on yesterday, Okpalaugo said the measure—though painful, was long overdue, insisting that the sit-at-home has steadily eroded traders’ livelihoods, scared away customers and crippled the once-vibrant market economy.
According to him, the closure should be seen not as punishment, but as a reset aimed at restoring confidence, order and full economic activity in Anambra State.
“The market is bleeding. Every Monday shutdown translates to massive losses for traders, transporters and residents. What the governor has done is a protective step to stop further economic damage.”
Governor Soludo had ordered the closure on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of the sprawling market after traders and market leaders failed to open for business, despite repeated appeals by the state government to resume normal activities.
The Anambra State Government estimates that the Monday sit-at-home costs the state about ₦8 billion every week, while the wider South-East region loses approximately ₦19.6 billion weekly, disrupting work, education and social life.
“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and official directives meant to restore normalcy. This is plain economic sabotage,” Soludo had said, warning that the market could remain shut for up to one month if compliance is not achieved.
While backing the governor’s stance, Okpalaugo appealed for compassion, urging Soludo to blend firmness with mercy by reopening the market within the stipulated one-week period.
“Our governor is a listening and progressive-minded leader. We believe he will consider our appeal. His decision is wise and timely, and we fully support his action against the Monday sit-at-home. But we are asking him, in the spirit of mercy, to help us reopen the market for the good of everyone.”
The market chairman said that traders were formally notified on January 22, that failure to open shops the following Monday would attract sanctions, including possible closure.
He also used the occasion to call on traders to remain calm, law-abiding and avoid self-help, stressing that compliance—not confrontation, was the path to reopening.
Okpalaugo dismissed reports of violence or casualties, maintaining that the situation in the market remains peaceful and that traders are adhering to the government’s directive.
“Our people are cooperating. There is no chaos here. We just want our market back—alive, safe and prosperous again.”
Gloria is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
