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AAC faults Soludo’s Onitsha Market closure, warning that the shutdown shifts the cost of insecurity to struggling traders.

The Anambra State chapter of the African Action Congress (AAC) has criticised Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s decision to shut down Onitsha Main Market, describing it as a misplaced response to insecurity in the state.

The party said the closure reflects a growing gap between government policies and the daily struggles of ordinary citizens who depend on trading activities for survival.

In a statement issued on Monday, AAC’s State Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Anthony, argued that the shutdown unfairly shifts the burden of insecurity onto traders rather than addressing its root causes.

According to him, the decision ignored the economic and social consequences for thousands of residents whose livelihoods depend on daily market activity.

Anthony said the move followed a familiar pattern where authorities rely on control measures instead of inclusive and sustainable security strategies.

The party described the closure as unjustifiable and counterproductive, stressing that lawful economic activities should not be disrupted as a response to security challenges.

AAC noted that the action effectively punishes citizens for lapses that fall squarely within the responsibility of the state government.

“This decision was announced without proper consideration for the welfare of traders and residents,” the statement said.

“We question the logic of closing businesses when government should be prioritising effective security.”

The AAC also highlighted what it called unequal access to security across social classes.

It noted that while political office holders move with armed escorts, ordinary citizens are left exposed to daily risks.

“Is it fair to punish traders for the state’s security failures while politicians enjoy full protection?” the party asked.

According to the AAC, shutting down markets does little to deter crime or improve public safety.

The party insisted that sustainable security can only be achieved through proactive policing and collaboration with local communities, not economic shutdowns.

“Closing markets will not stop crime. What is needed is effective policing and genuine community engagement,” the statement added.

Reaffirming its position, the party declared its support for traders and residents affected by the shutdown, urging the government to place human welfare at the centre of governance decisions.

“We stand with traders and residents. Their welfare matters,” AAC said.

The reaction followed Governor Soludo’s directive to shut Onitsha Main Market for one week after traders reportedly refused to open for business on Monday.

The closure was announced by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, who said the decision was in response to what the government described as continued defiance of its directive abolishing the Monday sit-at-home practice.

Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest commercial centres in West Africa, has been central to the state’s effort to restore normal business activities on Mondays across Anambra.

Aburime said the shutdown was part of a broader plan to reclaim Mondays as normal working days and revive economic life in the state.

Governor Soludo warned that tougher sanctions would follow if the market fails to reopen after the one-week closure.

“The government will not allow actions that undermine public safety and economic stability. This is economic sabotage,” the governor said.

He added that the market could face a longer shutdown if compliance is not achieved.