Presidency Mounts Pressure on Soludo as Protests Intensify Over Onitsha Market Closure

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State is facing growing pressure from the Presidency to reconsider the continued shutdown of major markets in Onitsha, as widespread protests by traders and residents escalate across the commercial city.

The market closure, ordered by the state government as part of enforcement actions against alleged criminal activities and regulatory violations, has sparked outrage among traders who say the move has crippled livelihoods and worsened economic hardship. Onitsha, widely regarded as one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs, has remained largely inactive since the directive took effect.

In recent days, thousands of traders have taken to the streets, staging peaceful but sustained protests and calling on the governor to immediately reopen the markets. Protesters argue that while security concerns are important, the blanket shutdown has unfairly punished law-abiding business owners and daily wage earners.

Sources within the federal government indicate that the Presidency is increasingly concerned about the economic and social impact of the shutdown, particularly its potential to fuel unrest and disrupt regional trade. Senior officials are said to have urged the Anambra State Government to adopt alternative measures that address security challenges without halting commercial activities entirely.

Traders’ associations have also appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu, asking for federal intervention to ease tensions and restore normal business operations. According to them, prolonged closure could lead to job losses, rising prices of goods, and deeper poverty in the state and beyond.

In response, the Anambra State Government has defended its decision, insisting that the temporary shutdown is necessary to restore order and sanitize the markets. Officials, however, hinted that dialogue with stakeholders is ongoing and that adjustments may be made based on security assessments.

As protests continue to spread, pressure is mounting on Governor Soludo to find a compromise that balances security enforcement with economic survival. Many residents now await a decisive move that could calm tensions and reopen the bustling markets that serve as the backbone of Anambra’s economy.