By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
ANAMBRA State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has finally broken the five-year-old Monday sit-at-home culture in the state, as traders at the Onitsha Main Market resumed full business activities on Monday, February 2, 2026.
The development effectively put to rest a practice that had crippled the state’s economy, disrupted education, and instilled fear among residents for half a decade.
Early reports on Monday morning suggested uncertainty, with claims that the market remained shut following the resignation of the market chairman and rumours of a coffin allegedly sighted within the market premises. However, these narratives were swiftly dispelled as traders trooped out in large numbers, reopening their shops and engaging in brisk commercial activities.
The Monday sit-at-home order, initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in honour of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, had over the years inflicted severe economic and social damage on Anambra State. Beyond the tragic incidents of violence associated with its enforcement, the policy stifled economic growth, discouraged investors, and denied shoppers from other parts of Nigeria and beyond access to the largest market in West Africa every Monday.
The practice also forced Anambra to operate on an abnormal four-day work and school week, compelling pupils, students and workers to remain at home on Mondays. Over time, Mondays in cities such as Onitsha became synonymous with deserted streets, skeletal transport services and residents engaging in road exercises, football, gym sessions and community meetings rather than productive economic activities.
For Governor Soludo, however, the status quo was no longer acceptable.
Speaking earlier at a press conference at the Lighthouse in Awka, the governor described the sit-at-home order as “madness”, insisting that Anambra State could not operate on a different calendar from the rest of the world under his administration.
“Enough is enough. It is not acceptable. We cannot continue like this,” Soludo declared. “Why should Onitsha Main Market be shut? Ndi Anambra, our destiny is in our hands. We can either allow faceless criminals to dictate how we live our lives, or we can reclaim our state and our economic destiny.”
The governor revealed that he had repeatedly engaged market leaders, urging them to reopen for business on Mondays. He stressed that the market is state property and warned that failure to comply after a seven-day shutdown would compel the government to revoke shop allocations and reassign them to willing traders.
Following his firm stance, Soludo held further meetings with market leaders, during which he unveiled upgrade plans for the market. The traders, in turn, pledged to resume Monday trading, provided the government guaranteed adequate security. They also outlined their needs, including improved parking space, enhanced security and better network services.
Despite a sit-at-home call issued on the same day by IPOB’s media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, traders overwhelmingly embraced the governor’s directive. On Monday morning, Onitsha Main Market buzzed with activity as traders reopened their shops amid jubilation.
In celebration, traders sang songs in praise of the governor, chanting in Igbo: “Soludo si anyi zụọ ahịa, obi anyi dịrị anyị ụtọ,” meaning, “Soludo said we should trade, and our hearts are filled with joy.”
Hailing the governor as “Olu Atuegwu” of Anambra, a trader, Mr Emma Nwafor, described Soludo as a fearless leader. “From the time he won his second election, I knew he came to change many unfriendly narratives,” he said.
Addressing traders, Soludo commended them for keeping their word, describing the reopening as a victory not only for Anambra State but for the entire South-East.
The governor further assured residents and business owners of robust security arrangements across the state. He disclosed that enhanced security deployment had been put in place, particularly around markets, commercial centres and major highways.
“Our security agencies are actively monitoring the situation and will deal decisively with anyone attempting to disrupt public peace,” Soludo said. “There is zero tolerance for criminality. Anyone spreading false information, creating panic or engaging in violence will face the full wrath of the law.”
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic freedom, the governor urged residents to reject fear and return to normal life.
“Government has done its part by ensuring robust security. Now, do your part by opening your shops, going to work, sending your children to school and living your lives normally,” he stated. “Ndi Anambra, say no to fear and yes to progress, prosperity and peace. Let us show the world that Anambra State is open for business.”
With the successful reopening of Onitsha Main Market on Mondays, Governor Soludo appears to have turned a historic corner in reclaiming Anambra’s economic rhythm and restoring confidence in public life.
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