Government Cracks Down on Non-Compliant Traders in Onitsha Market
By Julie Sylvia Onitsha
In a bold move, the Onitsha South Local Government Area has sealed over 200 shops at Bridge Head Market in Onitsha, Anambra State, for defying the government’s directive against the sit-at-home order.
The enforcement exercise, led by Mayor Chief Emeka Joseph Orji and Secretary of the Council, Mr. Paul Onuachalla, was aimed at ensuring compliance with the government’s mandate to resume normal trading activities.
The affected shops, located across six market lines, were found under lock and key during a compliance monitoring exercise. The government’s action has sent shockwaves through the market, with traders and customers alike expressing concern over the impact on businesses.
Chief Orji described the traders’ actions as “unfortunate and counterproductive,” particularly at a time when the state government is working to restore normal commercial activities across Anambra State.
“It is sad and unfortunate that while the government is making concerted efforts to revive economic activities in Anambra State, some individuals are bent on sabotaging those efforts,” he said.
The Mayor warned that the shops will remain sealed until next Monday, giving traders a chance to reconsider their actions and comply with the government’s directive. “If the traders fail to comply by reopening for business on that day, the closure will be extended indefinitely,” he added.
Mr. Onuachalla echoed the Mayor’s sentiments, stating that the traders’ actions could constitute serious offences, including economic sabotage and related crimes under the law.
“This action amounts to economic sabotage against Anambra State and could be interpreted as aiding and abetting unlawful activities. As a council, we cannot treat such matters with kid gloves,” he said.
The Secretary of the Council also disclosed that the shop allocations of the affected traders may be revoked in line with existing laws. “As we speak, the allocations of those shops are under review. Under the law, the government retains overriding authority over public property, and such allocations can be revoked in the public interest,” he stated.
The government’s tough stance on non-compliant traders has been seen as a test of its commitment to restoring normalcy in the state. The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for traders and businesses in the area.
