The Monday sit-at-home in Anambra was reportedly 88 percent observed today. Widespread observed, The Onitsha Main Market Chairman, ordered by Governor Soludo to mark attendance, said only 17 traders had opened their shops as of 2:28 PM, the time of filing this report.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) praised what it described as “total and overwhelming” compliance with the sit-at-home, which it claims was observed across Anambra State. The group said the action was a historic “show of unity” in support of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who was convicted of treason-related charges in 2015 and is serving a life sentence in Sokoto Prison.

All eyes are on Onitsha today as Governor Chukwuma Soludo and traders of the city’s main market face off over the weekly Monday sit-at-home.

The sit-at-home, enforced by IPOB in protest of Kanu’s detention, has hurt business in Anambra for years. Governor Soludo is determined to end it and reopen the market for regular trade.

Last week, the governor ordered the Onitsha Main Market closed for one week but demanded it reopen today. The move sparked protests from IPOB supporters, who called for a sit-at-home across markets in the South-East.

Security sources say the government is ready to ensure the markets open and that traders can work safely. Over the weekend, security agencies held a joint meeting to plan the deployment of personnel for today’s operations in Onitsha and other major markets.

Market leaders, after meeting with the governor last Thursday, have been reaching out to potential agitators, asking them to remain calm.

Prominent trader Kezie Nwadiugwu appealed to fellow traders to open their shops today, warning that staying closed could give the government reason to take harsh action. Traders are also worried because Soludo has announced plans to remodel the Onitsha Main Market, which could mean losing shops for weeks—or even permanently.

“Let’s open for business today,” Nwadiugwu urged. “If we do, the government might put the demolition on hold.”

Governor Soludo told stakeholders at the Government House in Awka that the market has suffered from years of poor planning and the regular Monday closures. He said the market, which used to run smoothly in the 1970s, has “literally died.”

He added that the sit-at-home has now lasted over 260 Mondays, costing the state billions each week and pushing shoppers to neighbouring states. He said tough decisions were needed to secure the market’s future. Global experts were hired in 2023 to design a plan for rebuilding the 25-hectare market in a more organised and sustainable way.

In response, Onitsha Main Market Chairman Chijioke Okpalaugo assured the governor that traders will reopen today. They have agreed with the redevelopment plan but asked for some time to move goods from illegal structures before demolition starts.

The situation highlights the difficult balance between government authority, security, and livelihoods. Since August 2021, IPOB has used the sit-at-home to disrupt markets, schools, and offices in the South-East.

Governor Soludo has said Anambra cannot survive a four-day business week. He warned that land allocations could be revoked and shops sealed if traders continue closing on Mondays. Attendance registers have been introduced in markets, and schools have also been directed to operate on Mondays.

The Anambra State House of Assembly says the sit-at-home costs the state about N19.6 billion every Monday, with Onitsha Main Market alone losing about N8 billion. The Assembly supports Soludo and warned that up to 12 more markets could be shut if traders keep observing the sit-at-home.

Traders and IPOB have pushed back. Videos on social media show protests and slogans against the government’s move. Security agencies have barricaded the market with personnel and armoured vehicles.

While some market leaders have agreed to cooperate with the government, IPOB insists the sit-at-home will continue unless Kanu is released, calling Soludo’s plan “tyrannical” and “economic warfare.”

Igbo elders have appealed for calm and dialogue, but the big question remains: will Onitsha Main Market open today, or will the sit-at-home continue?