By Chuks Collins
The Anambra State government has introduced attendance register for traders in all the markets in the State.
And it's mandatory!
Gov Chukwuma Soludo gave the directive at the crucial meeting with market leaderships this afternoon.
The attendance of the meeting took attendance records of all the markets leaders, line chairmen and other stakeholders at the International Conference Center(ICC) Awka, Thursday, Jan 29,2026.
The meeting was sequel to the shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market and related sundry matters thereto.
The Governor said that the line leaders in the markets would be responsible for the daily attendance taking, and noted that the Local Government Chairmen would be collecting the attendance registers by 10.00am every Monday.
He also observed as an eyesore the present condition of the Onitsha Main Market.
He admitted that consequently he has started looking into whether to pull it down completely for a brand new redesigned structure with modern facilities, including spacious motor parks and walkways
He revealed that the new design was already submitted to him more than three years ago.
The governor expressed worry that people carry out all manner of activities on Mondays except open shops for business and going to work.
He recalled how he led Igbo leaders including Pat Utomi to Kuje Prison to see Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and discussed the issue of Monday sit at home with him, who eventually directed his lawyers to dissociate him from the sit-at-home order.
Hear him, "There is no reason for locking up of markets, especially where Onitsha Main Market has one hundred and fifty security personnel.
"So how can you be destroying the homeland you are claiming to be fighting for?
"You have a choice, if you cannot do business in Anambra, we have 36 States in Nigeria, Abuja FCT is there, traders have right not to open, I also have the right to revoke the land the shops are sitting on, if they are not ready to open for business on Mondays.
"Closing or opening of shops, motor parks, and stores does not in any way negatively impact on the revenue of the State, all stallage fees are paid annually but we are interested in the welfare of the people, that's why we insist that markets must open on Mondays and workers must go to work." He said.
Gov Soludo while reacting to some of the issues raised by the market leaders promised an enhanced rigged security system in the markets to compliment the existing security structure in place in the markets.
Soludo:Anambra Govt to Deploy Security at Strategic Market Locations on Mondays
On the fears being expressed about their security for coming out, the governor assured traders across the state of enhanced security at strategic market locations on Mondays in a bid to end the persistent closure of markets.
The Governor emphasized that the State government would deploy additional security personnel to markets and surrounding areas to restore traders’ confidence and ensure peaceful free conduct of businesses.
He expressed that his administration was committed to working closely with market leaders to rejig security arrangements and ensure they were effective.
“We are going to work with you. We will allow security personnel to stay with you for weeks if necessary. Security is not just about guns; it is also about will and mindset” Soludo said.
Soludo disclosed that the government has issued a directive mandating all motor parks across the state to open on Mondays, and warned that any park that fails to comply with the directive will be shut down by the government for one week.
The governor declared that anyone who shuts down shops or enforces market closures on Mondays is aiding criminal elements loyal to Simon Ekpa and others destabilizing the South-East and Anambra State.
“Anybody found closing shops on Mondays will be treated as a criminal. We cannot harbour criminals in Anambra State,” he said.
He urged traders and residents to report any threat messages or intimidation to the government, assuring them that security agencies would track down and arrest the perpetrators.
“If anyone sends you threatening messages, forward them to us. We will get those criminals.
" We will also provide you with additional security personnel,” he added.