The Anambra State Chapter of the African Action Congress has condemned the closure of the Onitsha market by the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
In a statement on Monday, the state Publicity Secretary, AAC, Chinedu Anthony, said the governor’s decision was announced without adequate consideration for the welfare of traders and residents.
Anthony said the decision is unacceptable, adding that it is illogical to close businesses, thereby exposing vulnerable citizens to greater risks, when the state should be prioritising security.
The statement partly read, “This decision, announced without adequate consideration for the welfare of traders and residents, is unacceptable and tone-deaf to the security realities in Anambra State.
“We question the logic behind closing businesses, thereby exposing vulnerable citizens to greater risks, when the state should be prioritising security.
“While politicians move around with armed escorts, the common man is left to navigate life’s challenges without adequate protection. Is it fair to punish traders for the state’s security lapses?
“Governor Soludo should focus on addressing insecurity rather than jeopardising livelihoods. Closing markets won’t solve crime; effective policing and community engagement will.”
The AAC, therefore, urged the state government to reopen the Onitsha market immediately, prioritise security for all citizens, not just politicians and engage stakeholders before taking drastic measures.
“We stand with traders and residents. Their welfare matters,” the party stated.
PUNCH Online reports that Soludo ordered the immediate shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market for one week, following defiance by traders and the market leadership to open on Monday, against government directive.
It was gathered that Soludos’ one-week shutdown order is more than an administrative penalty, but to tackle perceived economic sabotage over the Monday sit-at-home.
The governor gave the directive after traders refused to open the market on Monday, adding that the development is the latest, and perhaps most drastic, in a protracted war over who controls time and economic life in South-East on Mondays.
