Commercial and economic activities were paralysed on Monday across major markets in the commercial cities of Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia in Anambra State.
Also, there was a low turnout of traders, as most shops in major markets such as Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market, remained under lock and key.
The usual Monday closure of motor parks, banks, petrol stations, schools, offices and law courts was also recorded.
This was contrary to last week’s directive from Governor Chukwuma Soludo during his visit to Onitsha Main Market, where he threatened to seal any shop or plaza that remained closed on Mondays in the name of the sit-at-home.
Soludo had lamented the continuous boycott of activities on Mondays in the South-East, arguing that the zone lost an estimated N19.6bn every Monday.
He warned that any trader or business that refused to open on Mondays would face severe penalties, including the sealing of shops for up to one month.
He then said, “I am here to ensure that your shops are open. From now on, every Monday, the Main Market must be open for business.
