Analyst Criticizes Soludo's Approach to Sit-at-Home Crisis in Anambra
Public affairs analyst Donald Okwuosa has called on Anambra State Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to prioritize tackling insecurity over market closures in the state. This comes after Governor Soludo ordered a one-week shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market following traders' defiance of the Monday sit-at-home directive.
Security Concerns Drive Trader Reluctance
Okwuosa emphasized that traders are avoiding the market due to ongoing violence and a profound lack of trust in the government's ability to protect them. He stated that merely declaring an end to insecurity is insufficient when citizens still feel unsafe and violent incidents continue unabated.
The analyst highlighted specific cases to illustrate the security crisis, including the shooting death of a fish magnate in Awka at his business premises and an incident in Nawfia where unknown gunmen killed five innocent passersby. Okwuosa pointedly asked whether the perpetrators of these crimes have been apprehended, underscoring the government's failure in delivering justice and security.
Critique of Government Security Measures
Okwuosa criticized what he perceives as hypocrisy in the government's security approach. He noted that Governor Soludo arrived at the Onitsha Main Market with a heavily armed security convoy, questioning why traders should be expected to risk their lives without similar protection.
"Political leaders need to start building trust with their citizens," Okwuosa asserted. "Onitsha traders do not trust the government enough to believe it can offer them protection. Why ask the traders to risk their own lives when you haven't provided them with such heavily armed security? He should lead by example."
Broader Context of Market Closure
The market closure represents Governor Soludo's attempt to enforce an end to the Monday sit-at-home order, which he had previously mandated must cease by October 15, 2024. Security agencies sealed the market, with Soludo warning that the shutdown could be extended to one month if non-compliance persisted.
While key unions like the Anambra State Amalgamated Traders Association and Urban Drivers Welfare Association have pledged support for the governor's directive, many traders express frustration. They view the market closure as collective punishment that unfairly affects willing shop owners and fails to address the root cause of their reluctance—insecurity.
Calls for Accountability and Protection
Okwuosa's comments reflect broader concerns about governance and citizen safety in Anambra State. He argued that the government has failed in its fundamental duty to secure the people, leading to a loss of faith and trust among citizens.
The analyst concluded that only when insecurity is genuinely addressed will traders voluntarily return to business. He warned against punitive measures that don't solve the underlying security challenges facing Anambra State residents.
