The paralysis of commercial and economic activities across major markets in Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia in Anambra State on Monday reflects the ongoing challenges related to the sit-at-home order. Despite Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive and his threat to penalize businesses that remained closed, the fear of violence and attacks has continued to grip traders and residents in the region. This apprehension stems from the sit-at-home order originally enforced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2021, even though it was later suspended by the group except on court days for Nnamdi Kanu.
The governor’s efforts to encourage reopening, including promises of a security presence, seem to have had limited immediate impact. Traders are hesitant to resume normal operations, fearing for their safety, while only those selling by the roadside and those observing the situation came to the markets. The NSCDC personnel’s patrols and encouragement appear to offer some level of reassurance, but it remains uncertain whether this will lead to a full return to regular business activities.
Governor Soludo warned that any trader or business that refused to open on Mondays would face severe penalties, including the sealing of shops for up to one month.
He then said, “I am here to ensure that your shops are open. From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business.
“If you fail to open, your shop will be sealed for one week, and if necessary, for up to one month. When you are ready to open, it must be from Monday through Saturday.”
The governor also promised a security presence around the markets, adding that policemen and men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps would be patrolling to maintain law and order.
At the time of filing this report on Monday, the governor was yet to visit the market as promised.
The economic toll of this situation is significant, as Governor Soludo highlighted the loss of an estimated N19.6 billion every Monday in the southeast due to the sit-at-home. The continuation of these closures, despite the suspension of the official order, shows how deeply rooted the fear of repercussions still is among the people. It will likely take sustained security efforts and increased confidence in the authorities to reverse the trend.
Some of the traders who came to the markets on Monday stood around their shops for fear that opening posed a threat to their lives and properties.
A textile trader at the Main Market, Udoka, said, “Some of us came around to observe the situation. The presence of the NSCDC officers is encouraging. If they can continue, it will be good.
“Most people are afraid of opening their shops for fear of being attacked. Those that came to the market today are those selling by the roadside.”
The leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra had, in August 2021, introduced the sit-at-home order every Monday across the southeast to pressure the Federal Government to release its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Although the group suspended the sit-at-home order except on days Nnamdi Kanu would appear in court, the people have continued to observe it for fear of attack.
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