The Enugu State Government has strongly cautioned market leaders against shutting down major markets in the state capital on Saturday to demonstrate support for a political rally backing the reelection bids of Governor Peter Mbah and President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on Friday, the government described the planned market closure as contrary to its ongoing efforts to promote investment, business activities, and economic productivity across the state.
The warning was conveyed by the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Dr. Malachy Agbo.
The statement emphasized that citizens should be allowed to carry out their normal businesses uninterrupted, in line with the Mbah administration’s decision to end the illegal Monday sit-at-home order effective June 5, 2023.
While appreciating the goodwill shown by traders, the government frowned at any attempt to force market closures, describing it as incompatible with its vision of growing Enugu’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion and positioning the state as a top destination for investment, business, tourism, and living.
It further noted that political participation is an individual right guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and no group should use rallies to truncate business activities or compel others.
“Political association remains an individual right and choice. Participation in the Saturday rally and subsequent rallies by any group should never truncate businesses or involve any form of compulsion,” the statement stressed.
The government warned that it would not hesitate to impose sanctions on any market leaders or groups that defy the directive and proceed with forced closures.
