CHIKE MABENE
Effective leadership decisions require courage, clarity of purpose, and the conviction to act rather than prevaricate.
Governor Charles Soludo’s decision to shut down Onitsha Main Market for one week is a bold move that deserves applause. The market’s continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home order, allegedly enforced by IPOB non-state actors, has crippled Anambra State’s economy. This tragedy has dealt a heavy blow to the state with a loss approximately valued at over ₦8 billion weekly.
Soludo’s action is not an attack on the people, but a necessary measure to restore law and order, and protect law-abiding citizens. The sit-at-home has disrupted economic activities, undermined public safety, and perpetuated fear. For over five years, non-state terrorists foisted a regime of fear across Igboland with tacit approval and acquiescence of many hirelings, leading to a grave cost in lives and material resources. The illegal sit-at-home happens to be a weekly reminder pf our collective folly and erternal regret. Yet, having been innoculated by fear and tomfoolery most of us have adjusted to the faux-pas and are quick to defend the anomaly.
By shutting down the market, Soludo is sending a strong message that economic sabotage will not be tolerated. His stance is a testament to his commitment to good governance and the welfare of Anambra residents.
Critics argue that the shutdown hurts traders, but the alternative of allowing IPOB to dictate economic activities
is unacceptable. Soludo’s government has assured residents of adequate security measures to ensure safe trading.
Well aware that “a man who wants to lead the orchestra must turn his back on the crowd,” Prof Chukwuma Soludo has taken the lead to jolt us all out of our collective slumber, “maka na nya bu ajọ ifve agbago arọ”, yet some are still living the lie by resorting to trading blames. Nonetheless, Soludo MUST stand his ground until concrete consessions are extracted from the relevant market leadership and unions to avoid a relapse to the default mode that will further stymie the state economy. After all, as former Prime Minister of Australia, Paul Keating, observed, “The essence of leadership is essentially taking the responsibility of trying to interpret the future to the present.”
The reported threat by IPOB to defy the shutdown is unacceptable. The group’s claim that the sit-at-home is a peaceful protest is undermined by reports of violence and intimidation. The five years of locust lost to IPOB shut-downs can’t be retrieved but we can’t afford to remain static while other Nigerian nationalities make progress.
All told, Soludo should stand firm. The people of Anambra deserve a government that prioritizes their economic well-being and safety. The market closure is a necessary step towards reclaiming public spaces and restoring economic normalcy.
– Mabene is public Affairs analyst.