Comrade Jerry Onyibe, National Publicity Secretary, CDHR
The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has reacted to the closure of the Onitsha Main Market by the Anambra State Government, describing the action as punitive and a violation of the fundamental rights of traders.
The group also faulted statements credited to Gov. Charles Soludo directing traders to open their shops from Monday to Saturday or vacate the state, saying such directives undermined citizens’ economic freedoms.
The group in press briefing on Monday in Abakaliki by its National Public Relations (PRO), Mr Jerry Onyibe said that the action of the State Government was arbitrary and constituted infringement on the economic rights of the affected traders and business owners.
Onyibe said that while government has the constitutional responsibility to maintain law and order, it must do so within the confines of the law and with respect for human rights.
He noted that the right to livelihood, freedom of movement and freedom from arbitrary government action were clearly guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The traders and business owners in Onitsha Main Market are not responsible for the prevailing insecurity in Anambra State.
“Rather, they are victims who have endured fear, loss of income and threats to their lives due to unresolved security challenges,” Onyibe said.
According to him, shutting down the market would only worsen economic hardship, deepen poverty and fuel public frustration in a state widely regarded as a commercial hub of the South-East.
The CDHR spokesperson stressed that addressing insecurity should be the primary focus of government, adding that no administration should compel citizens to conduct business under fear without first guaranteeing their safety.
He called on the Anambra State Government to prioritise the protection of lives and property, engage market unions, civil society organisations and community leaders in dialogue and adopt security strategies that protect citizens rather than penalise them.
Onyibe also urged the governor to refrain from rhetoric or actions capable of intimidating law-abiding residents or violating their rights.
Our correspondent reports that Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa and plays a critical role in the economic life of Anambra State and the wider South-East region was shutdown on Monday on the orders of the governor to compel traders to end Monday sit-at-home
Our correspondent also reports that in recent years, economic activities in the state have been disrupted by security concerns, including sit-at-home orders declared by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in 2021 and violent incidents attributed to criminal elements.
CDHR warned that sustainable development and prosperity would not be achieved by shutting down the means of survival of citizens.
“A prosperous Anambra can only be built when security, dignity and human rights are placed at the centre of governance,” the group said.
