Chief Onyemelukwe Eusebius Zonyelu, a former senatorial candidate of the Action Peoples Party (APP) in the 2025 Anambra South Senatorial District election and a 2027 presidential aspirant, has strongly criticised the Anambra State Government over the closure of the Onitsha Main Market.
The market closure, ordered by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, was reportedly aimed at curbing the persistent Monday sit-at-home observed in parts of the South-East.
In a press statement released on Monday, Chief Onyemelukwe described the action as unethical, unprofessional, and unconstitutional, warning that it would further worsen the economic hardship faced by traders and residents of the state.
According to him, it is troubling that a governor who understands the economic damage caused by the sit-at-home would compound the situation by shutting down what is widely regarded as Africa’s largest market.
“The prolonged closure of such a vital commercial hub only deepens the fragile economic condition of traders, families, and the state at large,” he said.
Chief Onyemelukwe expressed disappointment that Governor Soludo, a renowned economist with extensive academic and industrial experience, would adopt policies that negatively affect livelihoods, economic growth, and public confidence.
He stressed that governance decisions should focus on economic recovery and the welfare of the people rather than intensifying existing challenges.
The APP chieftain urged the Anambra State Government to address the root causes of the Monday sit-at-home in the South-East through dialogue and justice, instead of measures that further punish citizens.
He noted that the sit-at-home protests, largely linked to grievances over the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, represent a non-violent form of agitation and are preferable to violence, loss of lives, or religious persecution.
Chief Onyemelukwe maintained that calls by people of the Eastern region for equality, fairness, and inclusion in Nigeria are constitutional and legitimate.
He therefore called on Governor Soludo to immediately reopen the affected markets and refocus his administration on policies that alleviate hardship and address the real challenges confronting Anambra State and the wider South-East.
He also reminded public office holders that leadership is a stewardship and that leaders would ultimately account for their actions before God.
Chief Onyemelukwe expressed sympathy with traders and business owners affected by the market closures, encouraging them to remain steadfast in faith while assuring them that justice and restoration would prevail.
In conclusion, he called on the Federal Government to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and address the long-standing demands of the Eastern region for justice, equity, good governance, and national inclusion.
