…the shops allocations of the affected traders could be withdrawn and reassigned, pending the outcome of an investigation.
ANSMBRA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State has shut down more than 200 shops at Bridge Head Market, Onitsha, over traders’ failure to comply with the state government’s directive to ignore the Monday sit-at-home order.
The affected shops, spread across six market lines, were discovered locked during a compliance monitoring exercise conducted by local government officials on Monday.
Sources said commercial activities were largely paralysed in the area at the time of the visit, as traders reportedly declined to open their shops despite the government’s directive for normal business operations to resume on Mondays.
The enforcement drive was led by the Chairman of Onitsha South LGA, Emeka Orji, alongside the Council Secretary, Paul Onuachalla.
During the operation, officials sealed the entrances to the impacted market lines and secured them with new padlocks to restrict access to the closed shops.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday, Orji described the traders’ decision as regrettable and counterproductive, especially as the state government intensifies efforts to restore full commercial activities across Anambra.
He hinted that the shop allocations of the affected traders could be withdrawn and reassigned, pending the outcome of an investigation.
“It is unfortunate that while the state government is working tirelessly to revive economic activities on Mondays, some individuals are determined to undermine those efforts,” he said.
“Other markets in Onitsha opened for business, but traders at Bridge Head Market chose to remain closed. This amounts to economic sabotage, and such conduct will not be tolerated. The sealed shops will remain closed until next Monday. If the traders fail to reopen by then, the closure will be extended indefinitely.”
On his part, Onuachalla said the traders’ actions could amount to serious offences, including economic sabotage and other related violations under the law.
He added that the shop allocations were under review and could be revoked in accordance with existing regulations.
“This act can be seen as economic sabotage and possibly aiding unlawful activities. As a council, we will not handle this lightly,” he said.
“We expected them to learn from the earlier closure of the Onitsha Main Market, but they apparently assumed there would be no consequences. They will now face the full weight of the law, without compromise.
“The government has overriding authority over public property, and such allocations can be withdrawn in the public interest,” he added.
