Olayiwola Matthew
Traders in Onitsha Main Market have begun a peaceful protest against the government’s decision to close the market, demanding that Governor Chukwuma Soludo produce the law backing the shutdown.
The marketers, who took to the streets chanting “Show me the law”, are voicing their opposition to the closure, claiming it has left them without a means of livelihood.
The protest is currently ongoing, with tensions between the traders and authorities remaining high.
Professor Soludo on Monday ordered the closure of the market for one week following traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order.
The governor gave the directive during an on-site visit to the market, along with some of his aides and other government officials.
Soludo warned that the closure could be extended if traders fail to comply with the directive, adding that security agencies have sealed the market to enforce the order.
The governor described the development as the latest—and perhaps most drastic—salvo in a protracted struggle over control of economic life in the South-East on Monday.
Soludo said that despite repeated assurances of enhanced security and appeals to reclaim public spaces, many traders at the iconic market once again chose to keep their stalls locked.
According to him, their absence amounted to a quiet rebellion that nonetheless spoke volumes about the lingering climate of fear.
Soludo said, “The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy. This is plain economic sabotage.
“We are not going to allow this. The closure is a protective measure for law-abiding citizens.”