REPORTER: ONYINYECHI
The decision by the Anambra State government to close the Motorcycle Spare Part Market Nnewi for one week has continued to draw reactions from stakeholders, traders, and civil groups across the state.
A visit to the market today showed that the closure did not affect other parts of the markets, like motor parts and other adjoining plazas .
Security personnel, including the police and state-backed enforcement agencies, were stationed around the market guarding areas.
Barriers and cordons were placed at entry points, restricting access to the premises during the period of the closure.
Reacting to the development, a human rights activist, Mr Mandy Chikezie stated that Monday sit-at-home has ended noting that the exercise had been publicly discontinued by its original promoters.
He maintained that continued disruptions to economic activities should be addressed through lawful and targeted security measures, rather than broad actions that affect traders and businesses.
The human rights activits called for responses that are guided by the rule of law and focused on ensuring public safety while protecting the livelihoods of the people.
A trader, Mrs Uju Moses noted that broader dialogue involving government and relevant non-state actors could help douse tensions and restore normal economic activities.
She advocated engagement and consensus-building as part of efforts to address the challenges surrounding Monday business disruptions.
Other traders affected, by the closure, including Mr Friday Okah expressed dismay over government not considering the safety of its citizens before enforcing no sit at home order.
He acknowledged that government officials had earlier warned traders against shutting down business activities on Mondays, adding that the traders are willing to cooperate with the government to restore full commercial operations and security in the markets.
Governor Soludo had earlier this month ordered one-week closure of the markets, warning that the duration could be extended if compliance with government directives was not achieved.
As events unfold, traders and residents expressed hope that engagement between the government and market leadership would lead to an early resolution and the resumption of normal business activities.
