Photo used for illustration
Monday Sit-at-Home which started 2021 following incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader by Nigerian government over alleged treasonable felony charges among others had perpetuted into 2026 due to IPOB leader's continued imprisonment despite appeal court order to release him.
The Monday Sit-at-Home which was initially observed in 11 states - Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Beyelsa, Delta, part of Benue later persisted with only five Eastern states till today.
Anambra state Governor mandated to stop the Sit-at-Home by Federal government noted that the exercise was projected by non state actors and by this, has initiated strict measures to stop the Sit-at-Home, he closed main Market for consecutive one week which causes the state to loss more revenue approximately N25 billion.
The government in attempt to instill fear on traders has came up with attendance markings and other measures which many social media users protested and posited as violations of Human rights and abuse of Power.
The outcome of the recent meeting between Onitsha market leaders and Governor Soludo has led to a significant shift in the market's operations. Traders are now being treated with school-like discipline, as the governor sets strict new regulations for market operations.
Key Points from the Meeting:
Security Measures: There will be security personnel deployed every Monday to ensure order and safety.
Attendance Policy: Attendance will be taken at every line of traders, with a strict rule: if you fail to show up on Monday, your shop will be revoked.
Market Demolition and Rebuilding: The governor announced plans to demolish the main market and rebuild it over the next two years, focusing on modernizing the infrastructure.
Demolition of Illegal Structures: All illegal structures in and around the market will be demolished as part of the effort to reorganize and regenerate the area.
treet Expansion: Young Street will be widened to accommodate additional car parks, improving accessibility.
The Two Options for Traders:
Option 1: The market will be demolished and rebuilt over two years, causing temporary disruption to business activities.
Option 2: Traders will resume their activities on Mondays, with attendance marked, and the market will be regenerated with necessary demolitions of illegal structures and plaza. There will be designated spaces and car parks.
The traders are now facing a tough decision—whether to accept the demolition and rebuilding plan, or adapt to the new structure with the current market operations and improvements.
Throwback Times Nigeria is earnestly waiting for what would happen on next Monday and way forward.
