The Anambra State chapter of the African Action Congress has criticised Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the decision to shut down the Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ observance of the Monday sit-at-home.
In a statement issued on Monday, the party’s state Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Anthony, described the closure as insensitive and harmful to the livelihoods of traders and residents who depend on daily economic activities.
Anthony said the decision failed to take into account the prevailing security challenges in the state and placed ordinary citizens at further risk.
“Announcing a market shutdown without considering the welfare of traders and residents is both unacceptable and disconnected from the security realities on ground,” he said.
He questioned the rationale behind the action, arguing that shutting businesses does not address insecurity but instead deepens the hardship faced by vulnerable citizens.
“It is illogical to close markets and expose people to more danger when the government should be strengthening security. While political office holders move with armed escorts, the average citizen is left to fend for themselves,” Anthony added.
The AAC spokesperson further asked whether traders should be made to bear the burden of the state’s security lapses, insisting that economic punishment would not solve the problem of crime.
According to him, the government should focus on improving policing and engaging local communities rather than taking actions that threaten livelihoods.
“Closing markets will not end criminal activities. What is needed is effective security architecture and meaningful engagement with stakeholders,” he said.
The party called on the Anambra State Government to immediately reopen the Onitsha Main Market, urging it to prioritise the safety and welfare of all residents, not just political leaders.
“We stand in solidarity with the traders and residents of Onitsha. Their welfare must come first,” the statement concluded.
Governor Soludo had ordered the closure of the market after traders and market leaders reportedly defied a government directive to open for business on Monday.
The shutdown, according to government sources, was intended as a response to what was described as economic sabotage linked to the continued enforcement of sit-at-home activities in the South-East.
