The Anambra State Government has vowed to sustain Monday inspections of markets across the state.
It said shops that failed to open for business on Mondays would be sealed.
The State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, made the clarification while addressing recent allegations.
He dismissed claims that shops were shut at Onitsha Main Market last Monday.
Mefor insisted that no trader was sanctioned at the Main Market for failing to open.
He, however, confirmed enforcement actions at Bridgehead Market in Onitsha.
According to him, some shops at Bridgehead were sealed during routine inspection.
The commissioner said the government would not relent in enforcing compliance.
He stated that officials would continue visiting markets every Monday.
”Any shop found closed without justification would be shut”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra accused the government of targeting traders.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB described the action as unjust.
The group alleged that traders at Onitsha Main Market were affected.
IPOB said shutting shops amounts to collective punishment.
It argued that traders’ fears cannot be erased through enforcement threats.
The group urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to reconsider the policy.
IPOB called for dialogue, persuasion and respect for citizens’ rights.
The controversy underscores tensions surrounding market operations in the state.
