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“Holy, Holy, Nnamdi Kanu Is Another Saviour” — Traders Chant During Protest Over Onitsha Main Market Shutdown
Traders protesting the shutdown of Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State on Tuesday sparked controversy after they were heard chanting, “Holy, Holy, Nnamdi Kanu is another saviour,” while demonstrating by the market side against the state government.
The traders were reacting to the closure of the market for one week ordered by the Anambra State Government under Governor Chukwuma Soludo, a move they say has severely disrupted their livelihoods.
The shutdown reportedly followed the traders’ voluntary observance of the Monday sit-at-home protest, which they say is aimed at pressing for the unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
According to reports and video footage available to the media, thousands of traders flooded the market premises, chanting solidarity songs and expressing support for the Biafra self-determination struggle. The protest took place amid heavy security presence, with security agencies barricading strategic points around the market.
The protesting traders described the shutdown order as illegal and an infringement on their constitutional rights. They argued that the decision to close their businesses was voluntary and should not attract punitive measures from the government.
They further called on Governor Soludo to respect their right to conduct business without undue interference, insisting that economic activities should not be restricted through what they described as authoritarian directives.
The traders also appealed to the general public to hold the Anambra State Government accountable should any harm come to protesters during the exercise of their civic rights.
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