The Anambra State chapter of the African Action Congress has criticised Governor Chukwuma Soludo over the closure of the Onitsha Main Market, describing the decision as insensitive to the plight of traders and residents.
The party, in a statement issued on Monday by its state Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Anthony, said the directive was taken without sufficient consideration for the welfare and safety of those who depend on the market for survival.
According to the AAC, shutting down commercial activities in the name of enforcing order was illogical at a time when the state should be strengthening security to protect lives and property.
The statement read in part, “This decision, announced without adequate consideration for the welfare of traders and residents, is unacceptable and out of touch with the security realities in Anambra State.
“We question the logic of closing businesses and exposing vulnerable citizens to more hardship when the priority should be to guarantee security.”
The party argued that while public officials enjoy armed protection, ordinary citizens are left to contend with insecurity and economic uncertainty, stressing that traders should not be penalised for the government’s failure to tackle security challenges.
Anthony urged the Soludo administration to focus on effective policing and community-based security rather than measures that threaten livelihoods.
“Closing markets will not end crime. What is needed is improved security and genuine engagement with the people,” the statement added.
The AAC called on the state government to immediately reopen the Onitsha Main Market, ensure security for all residents and consult widely with stakeholders before taking decisions with far-reaching economic consequences.
“We stand with the traders and residents. Their welfare must come first,” the party said.
PUNCH Online reports that Governor Soludo ordered the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market after traders and market leaders reportedly defied a government directive by refusing to open for business on Monday.
The shutdown, it was gathered, was aimed at addressing what the government described as economic sabotage linked to the enforcement of the sit-at-home in the South-East, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing contest over commercial activities on Mondays in the region