The ongoing standoff between the Anambra State Government and traders at the Onitsha Main Market highlights persistent human rights concerns and the shrinking civic space in Nigeria’s Southeast, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has said.
According to Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of RULAAC, the weekly “sit-at-home” order has inflicted severe economic damage on traders, artisans, transporters, and workers in the region. “Traders themselves acutely feel the economic losses associated with the shutdown of markets every Monday. However, it is dishonest and unjust to ignore the critical factor driving compliance: fear,” Nwanguma stated.
He explained that traders often comply out of legitimate fear, as defying sit-at-home orders issued by separatist groups and enforced by criminal elements can lead to attacks, intimidation, or even death. “Over the years, security agencies have failed to provide consistent and effective protection to citizens who choose to go about their lawful businesses. In this context, compliance is not an exercise of free will but a survival strategy,” he said.
RULAAC criticised the state government’s recent decision to seal the Onitsha Main Market and threaten prolonged closure or demolition, calling it a “grossly disproportionate and punitive response.” Nwanguma argued that punishing traders for staying away from their shops amounts to double jeopardy: suffering the consequences of insecurity and being penalised by the state for actions compelled by fear.
The advocacy group also condemned recent police warnings against protests, noting that peaceful demonstrations are constitutionally protected rights. “The police have no power to ban protests or require citizens to seek permission before exercising their democratic rights. Their duty is to provide security for peaceful assemblies, not to suppress them,” Nwanguma said.
While acknowledging Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s stated aim of restoring economic activity and public order, RULAAC stressed that “good intentions do not excuse rights-violating methods.” Nwanguma called for a human rights-based approach to enforcement, warning that coercion, intimidation, and collective punishment risk portraying the government as a bully rather than a partner of the people.
RULAAC urged the Anambra State Government to engage with traders’ unions, market leaders, civil society organisations, and security agencies to develop a sustainable strategy to address sit-at-home orders. “Such a strategy must prioritise effective security, community trust, dialogue, and accountability,” Nwanguma said.
“Until citizens are genuinely protected from reprisals by violent non-state actors, attempts to force compliance through punishment will only deepen resentment, exacerbate fear, and further shrink civic and economic space in the Southeast. A democratic government must never punish people for being afraid when it has failed to make them safe,” he concluded.
