Secretary-General of the Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD), Dr Uzor Ngoladi, has strongly criticised Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over the one-week closure of the Onitsha Main Market, describing the action as “executive rascality” and a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE NEWS on Thursday, the Secretary-General of FOSAD, Dr. Uzo Ngoladi, said the decision to shut one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs amounted to collective punishment of innocent traders already operating under fear and insecurity caused by the sit-at-home crisis.
“Executive rascality refers to unethical behaviour and abuse of authority by those in power,” Ngoladi said. “When you trample on the rights of innocent traders who are simply trying to survive, that is an infringement on their fundamental human rights.”
Governor Soludo ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market after traders failed to open their shops on Mondays, despite the government’s declaration that the sit-at-home order had ended. However, Ngoladi argued that traders’ absence was driven by fear, not defiance.
“People have a natural instinct for survival. Safety comes first. If there is fear in the air, you cannot compel people to risk their lives and then punish them for choosing safety,” he said.
Ngoladi rejected claims that the closure was necessary to restore public order, insisting that there was no breakdown of law and order at the time the decision was taken.
“There was relative peace in Anambra State. The traders did not show up on Monday because of the sit-at-home culture created by prolonged insecurity. This is not a market discipline problem; it is a security failure,” he said.
He stressed that governance must be rooted in public trust, not force.
The FOSAD secretary-general also questioned whether the state government consulted critical stakeholders before taking the decision, particularly traditional institutions.
“Did the governor consult the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe? Did he consult market leaders and traditional rulers? From our investigations, there was no consultation. That is a sign of disrespect to the people,” he said.
Ngoladi disclosed that Governor Soludo himself had previously estimated economic losses from Monday sit-at-home actions at ₦8 billion weekly, warning that the market closure only worsened the hardship.
“You are multiplying losses. You are also endangering lives. We saw tear gas, gunshots, and security operatives confronting traders. These are young people in their productive years. Many are daily income earners with loans and perishable goods,” he said.
While acknowledging the existence of non-state actors enforcing fear in the South-East, Ngoladi said the government’s approach was counterproductive.
“We are not supporting non-state actors, but this approach is worse. It deepens resentment and punishes victims instead of solving the problem,” he said.
He urged the government to adopt a non-kinetic, gradual approach, centred on dialogue, persuasion and incentives rather than threats.
“Bring stakeholders together. Engage traditional rulers, market unions, transporters. Use the media. Appeal to the people. Don’t threaten them,” he said.
Ngoladi suggested practical confidence-building measures, including sustained security presence and incentives for traders.
“Deploy security every Monday. Let people see that it is safe. You can even incentivise traders — small gestures like food items. Gradually, people will return. This is a process, not something you force overnight,” he explained.
He warned that prolonged closures could worsen unemployment and crime.
“Idleness breeds crime. These traders created livelihoods for themselves where government failed. Shutting markets pushes young people closer to desperation,” Ngoladi said.
Calling on the governor to reverse the decision immediately, Ngoladi said leadership requires humility and continuous engagement.
“Reopen the Onitsha Main Market first. Then continue engaging the people. Leadership is about earning trust. Once people are confident that their lives and businesses are safe, they will come out on their own,” he said.
Ngoladi concluded that genuine security would make coercion unnecessary.
“If Anambra State is truly safe, nobody needs to be forced. Traders lose billions every Monday. If they feel safe, they will come out willingly,” he said.
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