The Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefoh, has defended Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to shut down the Onitsha market, blaming the action on traders’ refusal to open their shops on Mondays.
Naija News reports that Mefoh made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he revealed that the state loses an estimated ₦8 billion every Monday as a result of the sit-at-home practice.
According to the commissioner, the state government has a duty to keep the economy functioning, insisting that those resisting the reopening of markets are acting out of mischief rather than genuine fear.
“Let me emphasise that initially there was a fear factor, but that is no longer the case,” Mefoh said. “For months now, security has been largely restored in Anambra, so there is no reason for continued fear.”
He explained that the initial fear had led to the closure of markets on Mondays in the past, but over time, traders began to treat Mondays as an extension of the weekend — a development he said has severely affected the state’s socio-economic activities.
“Available statistics show that Anambra loses an average of ₦8 billion every Monday when markets are shut,” he stated.
Describing the figure as alarming, Mefoh stressed that the government cannot ignore such economic losses.
“When you look at it from that perspective, it becomes clear that the government has a responsibility to ensure the economy keeps moving. Those opposing this effort are simply being mischievous,” he added.