Critics have slammed the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo following the order he made on Monday 26th January 2026 to shutdown Onitsha Main Market and its adjoining markets for one week to enforce compliance against the perceived defiance of the illegal sit-at-home order on Mondays in some South Eastern part of Nigeria.
One of the Critics, a political activist Justice Ozobi, threatens to sue the Governor for 1 billion naira damages, noting that It is not by force to open shops, but by choice which embodies the exercise of one’s fundamental right.
Ozobi described the Governor’s action as an infringement on personal and business rights which are ancillaries to fundamental human rights.
Reacting to reports that Governor Chukwuma Soludo has considered closing the Main Market to enforce Monday trading, Ozobi advised traders to remain calm and seek legal redress if necessary.
He suggested that affected traders could sue the government for damages, insisting that operating a business should not be done under compulsion, but by freewill.
“Going to shops shouldn’t be by force. I have the right to open my shop any day I want,” Ozobi said. “If I decide to close my shop for one year, that is my choice. I’m not owing Anambra State a kobo.” he insist.
He further maintained that the decision of when to open or close a shop is the prerogative of the business owner and should not be dictated by government directives, urging authorities to respect individual freedoms,. fundamental rights and the rule of law.
Government should rather redirect its powers legally by cracking down on unlawful enforcers of the Monday sit-at-home order so as to protect public offices and those who choose to open their shops on Monday, and allow others who choose not to open on Monday to exercise their rights and freedom to take the Monday leave,.he added.
Recall that monday sit-at-home, which has been observed in some parts of the South-East for about four years now has been consistently condemned by the Soludo administration, describing it as illegal and harmful to the region’s economy.
