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By Madu Obi
Anambra traders, on Monday defied the order by Governor Chukwuma Soludo that they must open for business or face the risk of sealing off their shops.
In the commercial city of Onitsha, most of the shops dis not open as usual, although people were seen moving around.
When Vanguard visited the city, all shops in the business districts, including Awka road, New Market road, Old Market road, Oguta road, Sokoto road, Bright Street, as well as the Onitsha main market, Ochanja market, Head bridge market, Building materials market, among others, were closed.
Security operatives, particularly the police, were seen in almost all the streets patrolling.
Some of the traders said they were not prepared to risk their lives on the first day of the order, even as they commended Professor Soludo for his concern to ensure that business activities resume on Mondays throughout the state.
A trader at the Main market, Mr. Festus Okoli said, however, that there was a remarkable difference between yesterday and the previous Mondays, adding that at least, traffic was busy in all parts of Onitsha.
"I believe that with time, the situation will normalize. Everybody was afraid to go to the market, but people were moving around freely",he said.
A female trader who sell wrappers said she was not even aware that Governor Soludo gave an order for everyone to go to market on Monday, adding that it would take time before people would summon up courage to enter the markets to do business on Mondays.
Meanwhile, Soludo toured the various markets and locations across the state to monitor compliance with his directive and might have been disappointed.
Places visited by the governor include, Nkwo Igbo-ukwu, Afọr Nnobi, parts of Nnewi, Nkwọ Oraifite, Upper Iweka, Ochanja, among others, where he saw people moving about amidst tight security by the law enforcement agencies
He interacted with some traders, transporters, and residents and stressed the importance of adhering to the government directives.
He also encouraged the business owners to find ways to continue operating their businesses while maintaining a safe environment.
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