“This Is Economic Sabotage” — Soludo Accuses Politicians as Sit-At-Home Cripples Onitsha, Nnewi

Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has accused unnamed politicians of deliberately orchestrating the renewed Monday sit-at-home observed in parts of the South East, describing the development as a calculated attempt to sabotage the region’s economy.

The governor made the allegation on Wednesday during a press briefing at the Light House in Awka, where he singled out Onitsha Main Market and Nnewi as the worst-hit areas.

According to Soludo, the repeated shutdown of major commercial centres every Monday is neither accidental nor spontaneous, but the result of coordinated actions by what he termed “enemies of the state and the South East.”

“Not a Coincidence”

Soludo insisted that the pattern of closures points to deliberate planning rather than fear-driven compliance.

“What we are seeing is not a coincidence,” the governor said. “It is a coordinated effort by individuals bent on disrupting economic activities in Anambra State and the entire South East.”

He described the sit-at-home as economic sabotage, warning that his administration would not tolerate actions that cripple livelihoods, reduce internally generated revenue, and deepen poverty in the region.

Onitsha Market Closure to Remain — Possible Extension

The governor confirmed that the one-week closure earlier imposed on Onitsha Main Market will remain in force. He further warned that the sanction could be extended by an additional two weeks if traders fail to resume normal business activities on Mondays after the initial punishment expires.

Soludo’s comments came amid resistance from some traders, who have reportedly threatened legal action against the state government over the market shutdown.

Dismissing the threat, the governor said the state was acting well within its legal rights.

“Onitsha Main Market belongs to the Anambra State Government,” Soludo stated. “The government has the authority to take decisions over its use in the interest of public safety and order.”

Government Threatens Stronger Measures

In a stronger tone, Soludo warned that the government could take more drastic steps if defiance continues, including revoking shop ownership rights.

“If necessary, we can revoke shop ownership, pay compensation, and take over the market for overriding public interest,” he said.

The statement signals a hardening stance by the state government as it seeks to force an end to the Monday sit-at-home culture that has repeatedly disrupted economic life in Anambra and other South East states.

Governor Questions Sit-At-Home Narrative

Soludo also questioned the credibility of claims that insecurity alone is responsible for the renewed shutdowns. He pointed out that markets operated normally during the Christmas and New Year festive period without major incidents.

“Business activities were booming in the market every Monday and even on Sundays before the New Year celebrations,” the governor noted.

According to him, this timeline weakens arguments that traders are staying away purely out of fear, reinforcing his belief that political interests may be at play.

Key Implications

The governor’s comments carry significant political and economic weight:

• Economic Impact: Onitsha and Nnewi are commercial lifelines of the South East; prolonged closures affect traders, transporters, and manufacturers.
• Political Tension: Accusations against unnamed politicians may deepen political divisions within the region.
• Legal Precedent: The state’s assertion of ownership over Onitsha Main Market could set the tone for future government-market relations.
• Security Narrative: The remarks challenge prevailing assumptions that sit-at-home compliance is solely driven by insecurity.

What Happens Next

Attention now turns to whether traders will resume full operations once the one-week sanction expires. Failure to do so may trigger extended closures and possible legal confrontations.

For now, the Anambra State Government appears determined to confront sit-at-home disruptions head-on, framing the issue not just as a security concern but as an existential threat to the South East’s economic survival.