Indigenes of Ebonyi State trading in Anambra have publicly distanced themselves from any planned protests regarding the closure of the Onitsha Main Market. They have expressed their full support for Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s initiative to reinstate commercial activities on Mondays.
Moses Igwe, President-General of the Ebonyi Town Union in Anambra, urged traders to refrain from actions that could disturb public peace or threaten their livelihoods. He emphasized that the governor’s policy aims to protect traders’ interests and bolster the state’s economy, arguing that frequent market closures lead to increased losses.
Igwe stated:
“Closing markets every Monday is not helping anyone. It is even more damaging to the traders themselves.”
He noted that protests would not resolve issues related to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and reiterated that non-indigenes often face the consequences of violent demonstrations.
The ongoing cooperation between the Ebonyi community and Soludo’s administration is underlined by government initiatives, including the construction of a general hospital in Okpoko, which benefits many Ebonyi residents.
Traders’ Commitment
Following discussions with Governor Soludo, traders at the Onitsha Main Market have affirmed their readiness to resume Monday operations in line with his vision for a unified Anambra. The Chairman of the market, Chijioke Okpalugo, highlighted the need for improved security to ensure the safety of livelihoods.
The Ebonyi community’s support for the governor and their commitment to peaceful economic activity signals a collective pursuit of stability and progress in the region.
