Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo is set to commence the demolition of Onitsha Main Market on Sunday, March 1, despite a court order that earlier restrained him from any further action.
Keen watchers of the development said the governor’s actions are in clear disregard of court orders and an affront to the nation’s judiciary.
It would be recalled that the High Court of Anambra State had directed all parties in the suit before it to maintain the status quo.
The court had asked the parties to wait for the fixed date in March when the case will be heard.
The Traders Association had lamented the inhumanity of Soludo’s harsh order for demolition. They said the order will cause more hardship for traders whose businesses cannot withstand the government’s planned restructuring.
They suggested other methods to the government if it intends to give the market an upgrade.
A memo from the Mayor of Onitsha had indicated that traders were to be given another week of grace before the demolitions.
But in a surprise move, there are now indications that the demolitions may start on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Raising the alarm, some top traders are concerned that Soludo’s disregard for the court order will rubbish the rule of law and President Bola Tinubu’s posture on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
They further noted that Soludo’s action is an abuse of the roles of the police and the military in civil matters.
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