Soludo Issues Ultimatum: Shops Closed on Mondays Will Be Sealed

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a strong warning to traders in the region, stating that any shop or plaza that remains closed on Mondays in adherence to the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) sit-at-home order will be sealed. This declaration came during his inspection of the bustling Main Market in Onitsha, the largest market in West Africa, where he noted a concerning number of locked shops and empty plazas.

Governor Soludo’s visit aimed to assess the impact of the ongoing sit-at-home mandate, which has disrupted business operations in the Southeast since its inception in 2021, following the extraordinary rendition of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. Although IPOB has since suspended the order, the fear of violence has led to continued closures of markets, schools, and banks every Monday.

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During his inspection, Soludo made it clear that traders defying the order to open their shops on Mondays would face serious repercussions, including shop closures for up to a month. He emphasized the detrimental effects that persistent business closures could have on the local economy, warning that customers might begin to seek goods in other regions.

“I am here to ensure that your shops are open. From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be operational,” Soludo asserted. “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 reassured traders that security measures would be reinforced to guarantee their safety, urging them to resume full commercial activities on Mondays.