Tension is mounting in Anambra State as Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s directive to end the sit-at-home order takes effect on October 15, 2024.
During a visit to Onitsha, the governor warned that any shop or plaza closed on Mondays in compliance with the sit-at-home order would be sealed. Traders in the region expressed readiness to follow Soludo’s directive, provided security measures are in place to protect them.
The sit-at-home order, initially introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2021 to demand the release of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has persisted despite IPOB’s suspension of the mandate. Although IPOB clarified that the order would only apply on days Kanu appears in court, a faction led by Finland-based Simon Ekpa has continued to enforce the shutdown.
Fear of violent reprisals from enforcers has kept residents and businesses across Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, and Abia States compliant with the Monday sit-at-home for over three years.
Governor Soludo, who has been vocal in his opposition to the economic and social damage caused by the ongoing boycott, pointed to the region’s loss of N19.6 billion every Monday due to the shutdown.
According to the news obtained by vanguard, He expressed frustration during his visit to Onitsha’s main market, where he witnessed the continued closure of businesses. In response, the governor declared: “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.”
In support of Soludo’s efforts, the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) and the Urban Drivers Welfare Association of Anambra State (UDWAAS) pledged to help end the sit-at-home order.
Chief Humphrey Anuna, President General of ASMATA, and the leadership of UDWAAS emphasized the critical role of traders and drivers in reviving normal business activities. The UDWAAS executive noted that the continued sit-at-home had negatively impacted logistics and commerce in the state.
“The adverse effect of the sit-at-home on the people of Anambra and the entire South-East, especially as it concerns trading activities and logistics, had become worrisome. And as drivers, we have realized we are critical stakeholders in ending the exercise,” stated a leader of UDWAAS.
The associations assured residents that transportation would be available to convey them to work and marketplaces every Monday, encouraging people to resume normal activities. They believe that increased availability of commercial vehicles would lead to greater confidence among residents, thus helping to gradually end the sit-at-home tradition in Anambra.
Governor Soludo’s push to restore normalcy faces challenges, as previous efforts by other southeastern governors to eliminate the sit-at-home have encountered resistance.
However, his administration remains committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for businesses to reopen on Mondays without fear of violence.
