Sit-at-home: Traders partially comply as Soludo re-opens Onitsha Main Market

‎Following the reopening of the Onitsha Main Market by Governor Chukwuna Soludo, some traders have opened their shops in preparation for the day’s activities.
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‎At the market, some traders were pictured sweeping the entrance of their shops while others were also arranging their wares in expectation of customers and sales.
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‎While some shops were still locked, there appeared to be visible activities going on within the marketplace following the governor’s order.
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‎Recall that the governor of Anambra State had earlier sealed the market due to the compliance with the controversial Monday sit-at-home order issued by the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
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‎The IPOB has declared a sit-at-home directive across five states of the Southeast in solidarity with its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
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‎Last week, the governor while expressing concerns over a possible economic sabotage by the IPOB sealed the market between Tuesday and Saturday.
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‎He, however, announced its reopening for Monday, February 2, while warning that failure to comply with the government’s directive by the traders would lead to further closure.
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‎A statement by Law Mefor, the commission for Information in Anambra State had said to that effect, all traders are hereby informed to resume business as usual on Monday, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any form of sit-at-home on Mondays in Anambra State.
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‎Residents were urged to go about their daily activities while parents and guardians were also encouraged to send their wards to school.
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‎“Ndị Anambra and residents are assured of adequate security and encouraged to report any security concerns to 5111.
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‎Meanwhile, civil servants and teachers are reminded that the pro rata salary system remains in force: no work on Monday, no pay. Also, parents must release their children for school on Mondays to avoid sanctions,” Mefor noted.