The African Action Congress in Anambra State has lambasted Governor Chukwuma Soludo for ordering the closure of Onitsha market, describing the action as insensitive and lacking proper consultation with traders and residents.
The party’s State Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Anthony, in a statement released on Monday, argued that the governor’s directive failed to reflect the genuine concerns of market stakeholders and appeared disconnected from the state’s pressing security challenges.
Anthony questioned the rationale behind shutting down commercial activities, which he said would leave ordinary citizens more vulnerable, instead of strengthening security apparatus across the state.
“This action, taken without meaningful engagement with those it affects, demonstrates a worrying disregard for the economic survival of traders and the safety of residents,” the statement read in part.
“Why should businesses be forced to close, pushing already vulnerable people into harm’s way, when what Anambra needs is robust security intervention?
“While government officials enjoy the luxury of armed protection, ordinary traders are expected to fend for themselves without adequate security coverage. Is it just to punish market men and women for failures that lie squarely at the government’s doorstep?”
The opposition party maintained that Governor Soludo ought to channel his energy toward tackling the root causes of insecurity rather than implementing policies that threaten people’s means of livelihood.
“Market closures will not eliminate criminal activities. What Anambra requires is competent law enforcement and genuine community collaboration,” Anthony stated.
The AAC demanded the immediate reopening of Onitsha Main Market, called for comprehensive security measures that extend protection to all residents regardless of social status, and insisted that the government must consult widely with key stakeholders before implementing far-reaching decisions.
“Our solidarity lies with the traders and residents whose welfare must remain paramount,” the party declared.
It would be recalled that Governor Soludo had directed the one-week shutdown of Onitsha Main Market after traders and market leadership defied government instructions by opening for business on Monday, despite warnings against doing so.