Commercial and economic activities were paralysed on Monday across major markets in the commercial cities of Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia in Anambra State.
Also, there was a low turnout of traders, as most shops in major markets such as Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market, remained under lock and key.
The usual Monday closure of motor parks, banks, petrol stations, schools, offices and law courts was also recorded.
This was contrary to last week’s directive from Governor Chukwuma Soludo during his visit to Onitsha Main Market, where he threatened to seal any shop or plaza that remained closed on Mondays in the name of the sit-at-home.
Soludo had lamented the continuous boycott of activities on Mondays in the South-East, arguing that the zone lost 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 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.
Meanwhile, personnel of the NSCDC were observed patrolling some of the markets, and metropolis, conducting “anti-sit-at-home operation,” while encouraging people to come out.
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.
PUNCH
