Sit-at-home has come to stay for diverse reasons — Traders

By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA — Traders at the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State have said the Monday sit-at-home practice has come to stay for various reasons, despite recent directives by the state government urging a return to normal trading activities.

This comes barely a week after Governor Chukwuma Soludo directed traders to abandon the sit-at-home mentality and reopen shops at Onitsha Main Market and other major markets in the city. However, observations on Monday showed poor compliance with the directive.

Findings revealed that less than 20 per cent of traders opened their shops, while commercial activities remained largely stagnant due to the absence of customers. An on-the-spot assessment showed that, on average, only about three shops per line were open across the expansive market between 10:00 a.m. and the official closing time of about 5:00 p.m.

Chairman of the Onitsha Main Market, Chief Chijioke Okpalugo, declined to comment on the situation, stating that he had nothing to say on the development.

Speaking to journalists, a trader, Mr. Emeka Ozigbo, said many traders would need time to adjust before resuming Monday trading, noting that some had already adopted Mondays as a day of rest or for meetings.

According to him, fear of attacks by non-state actors remains a major concern, as many traders believe such groups could become more violent despite the government’s assurances.

“Some traders are still afraid. Others are keeping the sit-at-home to show solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu, even though IPOB has distanced itself from the Monday sit-at-home order,” Ozigbo said.

Some traders were overheard insisting that the sit-at-home would continue regardless of government directives, arguing that those seeking to end it should channel their efforts toward securing the release of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

A legal practitioner in Onitsha, Mr. O.J. Obasi, Esq., said the situation worsened following the state government’s decision to shut the market for one week.

“Before the announcement of the one-week closure by Governor Soludo, people were going about their businesses without fear. But after the proclamation, fear and uncertainty crept in and discouraged traders further,” he said.

Obasi advised governments at all levels to allow residents to go about their lawful activities without intimidation.

“Our people are hardworking. Nobody wants to be caught in a web of chaos. People are simply trying to survive,” he added.

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