REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
The Anambra State House of Assembly has called on residents and traders across the state to immediately discontinue the Monday sit-at-home order and resume full economic and social activities.
The call followed a motion moved during plenary by the member representing Nnewi South II Constituency, Mr Johnbosco Akaegbobi, urging market leaders, religious institutions, schools, civil and public servants, transporters, and operators of small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to commence full-scale activities across the state without further delay.
Mr Akaegbobi expressed concern that the prolonged sit-at-home directive has severely disrupted economic and social life in Anambra State and the wider South-East region for several years. He noted that the policy has been strongly condemned by the Soludo-led administration due to its negative impact on livelihoods.
According to him, the South-East region loses an estimated ₦88.08 billion every Monday, while Anambra State alone records losses of about ₦19.6 billion weekly as a result of the continued shutdown of businesses and services.
Lawmakers further lamented that the SMEs sector bears the greatest burden, accounting for nearly 60 percent of total financial losses, while micro-businesses are estimated to lose ₦4.6 trillion annually due to repeated Monday closures.
Contributing, the Majority Leader of the House, Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, regretted that the sit-at-home order is being sustained by a few individuals who benefit from activities that take place during market closures. He added that Onitsha Main Market, reputed as the largest market in West Africa, is being undermined by individuals envious of the economic growth it brings to the South-East zone.
Other lawmakers, including Mr Jude Ngobili (Ihiala Constituency I), Mr Chidi Ibemeka (Njikoka Constituency I), and Mr Golden Iloh, condemned the continued observance of the sit-at-home order. They encouraged residents to take advantage of the improved security situation in the state and bring an end to what they described as economic sabotage.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the House, Mr Somtochukwu Udeze, described the motion as timely. He called on lawmakers to sensitize their constituents on the need to appreciate the massive infrastructural development being executed by the Soludo-led administration by fully resuming business activities after nearly four years of disruptions.
