Commercial and economic activities were paralysed on Monday across major markets in the commercial cities of Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia in Anambra State.
There was a low turnout of traders, as most shops in key markets such as Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market remained closed.
The usual Monday closures of motor parks, banks, petrol stations, schools, offices, and law courts were also observed.
This situation contrasts with last week’s directive from Governor Chukwuma Soludo, who threatened to seal any shop or plaza that remained closed on Mondays in the name of the sit-at-home.
Soludo lamented the ongoing boycott of activities on Mondays in the South-East, stating that the region loses an estimated N19.6bn every Monday.
He 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 stated, “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, mentioning that policemen and members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps would be patrolling to maintain law and order.
As of Monday, the governor had not yet visited the market as promised. Meanwhile, NSCDC personnel were seen patrolling some markets, conducting “anti-sit-at-home operation,” and encouraging people to come out.
Some traders who ventured to the markets stood around their shops, fearing that opening could pose a threat to their safety.
A textile trader at the Main Market, Udoka, remarked, “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 introduced the sit-at-home order every Monday across the Southeast in August 2021 to pressure the Federal Government to release its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Although the group suspended the order except on days Nnamdi Kanu would appear in court, many continue to observe it out of fear of attack.
