An elder statesman in Anambra State, Dr. Chike Obidigbo (Osisioma Igbo), has appealed to Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to resolve the ongoing Monday Sit-At-Home dispute through dialogue. Speaking to the press, Dr. Obidigbo described the recent closure of Onitsha Main Market as “unfair” and expressed hope that constructive engagement could uncover both the immediate and underlying causes of the traders’ protest, leading to a lasting, peaceful solution. He noted that the shutdown has stalled manufacturing, import, and export activities that rely on the market, inflicting significant damage on the state’s economy.
Dr. Obidigbo emphasized that governance extends beyond infrastructure projects such as roads, hospitals, and schools; the core of effective leadership is economic development. He argued that a governor’s success is measured by how much the economy improves under his stewardship, citing the biblical principle of seeking first the kingdom of God, with other benefits following.
According to him, the Onitsha Main Market is a vital economic channel for Anambra, and the state government should focus on enhancing market infrastructure and profitability for Ndi-Anambra, Nigerians, and the global community, rather than closing it or driving traders away to other cities.
The elder statesman further urged Governor Soludo to reconsider his decision on the market, which he described as the pride of Igbo and Anambra people.
Finally, He cautioned that without a focus on economic growth, other development efforts will falter, and called on the governor to prioritize the state’s economy in his policy agenda.
