Governor Chukwuma Soludo has promised to provide the law that backs his decision to shut down Onitsha Market in the state.

MyNigeria reported that Soludo shut down the market for a week due to the traders' compliance with an illegal sit-at-home order instituted and enforced by the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Shutting the market for a week, Soludo vowed that if the market reopens and the traders continue to observe the sit-at-home order on Mondays, his administration will be forced to shut the market for a full month.

This led to a protest by traders who were dispersed by armed security operatives while they were shouting, "Soludo, show me the law," questioning whether Soludo's decision is lawful.

In response, Soludo spoke at a meeting with market leaders, where terms were agreed to facilitate the market's reopening.

He said, “For those shouting 'show me the law where you can close our shops', I want to say that they should be ready when I show it to them. I will also show them the law that empowers me to revoke that market and use it for whatever is better for the state. I can revoke that market, pay compensation to people who have private structures there and use it for even an annex of Agunechemba Security if I like.

“I hope that push will not come to shove, but in the next two weeks, we will start recertification. A lot of people want shops in that market, so if you are not ready to open shops, go elsewhere. We will revoke your shops and give it to people who are willing to open.”

ASA