According to a report by Punch Newspaper on Friday, January 30, 2026, Dr. Uzor Ngoladi, Secretary-General of the Forum of South-East Academic Doctors (FOSAD), has sharply 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.
In an interview with Arise News on Thursday, Dr. Ngoladi said the decision to shut down one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs amounted to collective punishment of traders who were already operating under fear and insecurity due to ongoing sit-at-home directives.
Ngoladi argued that the closure of the market disrupted livelihoods, adding that the measure was unnecessary and disproportionate given the circumstances. He highlighted the adverse effects on traders who rely on daily earnings to sustain themselves and their families.
The FOSAD leader dismissed claims that the shutdown was intended to restore public order, insisting that there was no visible breakdown of law and order at the time the decision was implemented.
He also questioned whether the state government had consulted relevant stakeholders before enforcing the closure, particularly traditional institutions that play key roles in community governance and mediation.
Ngoladi expressed concern that the economic impact of the closure would aggravate existing hardships in the state, pointing out that traders faced losses from unsold perishable goods and financial obligations such as loans.
He recalled that Governor Soludo had previously estimated that sit-at-home actions alone cost the state economy ₦8 billion weekly, warning that shutting the market would only compound the economic difficulties for ordinary citizens.
Ngoladi also raised safety concerns, noting that security operatives confronted traders with tear gas and gunshots, putting young people in their productive years at risk while attempting to earn their livelihoods.
He emphasized that the government’s action could discourage entrepreneurial activities and hinder the economic recovery of the state, particularly for small-scale traders who form the backbone of the local economy.
Explaining the quotes, Dr. Ngoladi was highlighting that the market closure not only created financial losses but also posed physical dangers to traders. He was stressing that government actions should balance security measures with the protection of citizens’ rights and economic interests.
“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.
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