Governor Charles Soludo, of Anambra State, has threatened to seal shops of traders observing the sit-at-home order declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Recall that since IPOB declared the sit-at-home in 2021 to protest the extraordinary rendition of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, the exercise has continued to disrupt business activities in the Southeast.
Also, the fear of violent enforcement has caused markets, plazas, schools, banks, and other businesses to remain closed every Monday.
However, Soludo, during an inspection tour of the Main Market in Onitsha on Monday, expressed his displeasure over the large number of locked shops and plazas.
The governor visited the market, known as the largest in West Africa, to observe the level of commercial activity amid the lingering sit-at-home order.
In his remark after inspection, Soludo warned that any trader or business that refuses to open on Mondays would face severe penalties, including sealing shops for up to one month.
He stressed that the persistent closure of businesses on Mondays would damage the local economy, as customers might start going to other regions to purchase goods.
Soludo assured the traders that adequate security measures would be in place to protect them, urging them to resume full commercial activities on Mondays.
He 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.”
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