By Christian ABURIME

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo has ordered the immediate shut down of the Onitsha Main Market for one week, following defiance of the market leadership to open, against government directive.

Governor Soludo’s order for a one-week shutdown of the sprawling market is more than an administrative penalty. It is the latest, and perhaps most drastic, salvo in a protracted war over who controls time and economic life in Southeast Nigeria on mondays. The enemy is the long-standing, fear-enforced Monday sit-at-home order, a ghostly mandate from non-state actors that has strangled businesses and normalized weekly monday sit-at-home for years.

The Governor’s move is a direct response to what the government sees as baffling defiance. Despite repeated assurances of enhanced security and appeals to reclaim public spaces, many traders at the iconic market again chose to keep their stalls locked. Their absence was a quiet rebellion, but one that spoke volumes about the lingering climate of apprehension.

“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy, this is plain economic sabotage. We are not going to allow this”, Governor Soludo stated, framing the closure as a protective measure for the “law-abiding citizen.” But his subsequent warning carried the weight of an escalating ultimatum: if the market does not reopen for business after this one-week shutdown, it will be sealed for a month. “And so on and so forth,” he added, drawing a line in the sand.

“You either decide that you are going to trade here or you go elsewhere. I am very serious about this”, the Governor insisted.

The scene at the market was one of tense enforcement. A joint task force of police, army, and other security personnel moved swiftly to secure the perimeter, turning away the few hopefuls who approached.

For the Soludo administration, the solution is unwavering enforcement to break a psychological barrier. The strategy is clear: make the cost of compliance with the illegal sit-at-home order higher than the fear that drives it. By targeting the economic heart of the region, the government aims to trigger a collective shift in behavior, betting that the traders’ desire to trade will ultimately outweigh their fear.

As the gates remain locked this week, the standoff in Onitsha encapsulates the broader struggle in the Southeast. It is a fight over normalcy, authority, and the fragile psyche of a populace caught between enforced directives and imposed orders. When the gates are scheduled to reopen next Monday, all eyes will be on the traders. Will they return to their stalls, emboldened by the state’s show of force? Or will the silent, empty aisles deliver a different verdict?

The answer will determine not just the fate of a market, but the rhythm of life in Anambra for Mondays to come.

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IShowSpeed, the popular American streamer, has re-sparked the long-running jollof rice debate after trying Liberian jollof during his ongoing tour of Africa.

In a clip, the 21-year-old content creator was seen tasting Liberian jollof  rice for the first time.

After reacting to the flavour, he admitted it was good but maintained that Nigerian jollof remains his favourite.

“I’ve have to be honest, it’s good… but I think Nigerian’s is better,” he said in the clip.

The comment immediately sparked reactions across social media, especially among Nigerian users who flooded comment sections celebrating his verdict, while others from different countries reignited the friendly West African jollof rivalry.

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., has been touring several African countries, sharing his experiences with local food, culture, and fans through live streams and short videos.

The remains of Afeez Adeshina, the up-and-coming Nigerian singer, who was popularly known as Destiny Boy, have been laid to rest.

Destiny Boy was buried at his father’s residence in Ayetoro, Yewa North Local Government Area of Ogun State on Friday, January 23.

A video which emerged online shows the moment he was buried in accordance with Islamic rites, with some Muslim clerics present at the event.

The teary video also captured family, friends, and neighbors in attendance as they paid their last respects to the late singer.

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