Traders at Onitsha Main Market have assured Governor Chukwuma Soludo that they will no longer comply with the Monday sit-at-home, signaling a return to normal business activities across Anambra State. The pledge came during a meeting between the governor and market leaders, aimed at resolving the prolonged market shutdown that has disrupted commerce in the South-East.

On behalf of traders, Mr. Chijioke Okpalugo, Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, said they were ready to resume Monday operations in support of the governor’s “One Anambra” initiative. The traders also requested enhanced security measures to safeguard lives and property while conducting business. Governor Soludo reiterated that all markets and shops must remain open on every working day, including Mondays, stressing that enforced sit-at-home closures would no longer be tolerated.

During the session, Governor Soludo offered market leaders the option to either renovate or completely rebuild the Onitsha Main Market into a modern trading hub. He emphasized that business activities must continue regardless of the redevelopment plan chosen. The governor dismissed claims linking the sit-at-home to IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, noting that the enforcement of the closure was a criminal enterprise driven by outsiders.

Market leaders requested a visible and sustained security presence, full operation of motor parks, and decisive action against those enforcing the sit-at-home. Governor Soludo assured traders of improved security arrangements in and around markets, promising protection against intimidation and harassment, and reaffirmed that Anambra’s commercial centres would operate freel