Soludo to Meet Anambra Market Leaders Over Sit-at-Home Compliance in Awka
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, is scheduled to meet with chairmen and secretaries of major markets across the state on Thursday, January 29, over the persistent sit-at-home compliance by traders despite repeated government directives to resume business activities.
Information obtained by PulseNets indicates that the meeting was communicated through an official letter issued by the Ministry of Trade and Commerce. The letter, signed on behalf of the commissioner by the Special Adviser to the Governor (SPAD) on Trade and Markets, Mr. Evarist Uba, confirmed that the engagement will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Awka.
A senior government official who spoke to PulseNets dismissed claims that the planned meeting was a response to pressure following the traders’ protest on Tuesday. According to the source, the initiative followed direct appeals from some market leaders who reached out to the state government, requesting permission for the reopening of markets.
The invitation letter, sighted by PulseNets, read in part: “The President General of ASMATA (Anambra State Market Traders Association), all market chairmen and secretaries, all zonal chairmen and secretaries, as well as all line chairmen and secretaries, are hereby invited to a crucial meeting with Mr. Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR (Oluatuegwu), on matters of urgent importance.”
It further stated: “Date: Thursday, 29 January 2026. Time: 11:00 a.m. prompt. Venue: International Convention Centre (ICC), Awka.”
PulseNets learnt that tension erupted at the Onitsha Main Market on Tuesday after the state government ordered the forceful closure of the market. Security agencies were deployed in large numbers to ensure full enforcement of the directive.
Traders have continued to observe the sit-at-home order, citing the ongoing detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, as their reason. However, PulseNets reported that several market leaders later engaged the state government behind the scenes, appealing for restraint and the reopening of commercial activities.
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It was further gathered by PulseNets that Thursday’s meeting will be conducted under tight security, with all participants subjected to strict screening. Government sources told PulseNets that the measure is aimed at preventing any separatist elements from infiltrating or disrupting the high-level engagement.
