A directive from the Imo State Government ordering the closure of major markets and urging traders to “come out en masse” for President Bola Tinubu’s visit has drawn criticism from sections of the public who say they are being compelled to attend a political event.
In a public notice dated 26 September and signed by the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Chief Barr. Rex C. Anunobi, the state instructed the leadership of eight large markets – including Relief Market, Imo Auto Market Naze and the Mechanic Village Market Avu – to ensure all business activities cease on Tuesday 30 September, when the President is due in Owerri.
The notice asks traders to leave their stalls and join crowds welcoming Mr Tinubu. Several traders and civil society voices in Owerri told OtownGist they viewed the order as an infringement on their rights, especially for non-partisan business people who rely on daily earnings. “We support development projects but we shouldn’t be forced to abandon our shops for politics,” said one trader who asked not to be named.
President Tinubu is expected to commission a raft of projects built under Governor Hope Uzodimma, including the Imo Digital Learning Centre, Asumpta flyover, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, the new Imo Concorde Hilton Hotel and the Owerri/Umuahia road. He will also launch the governor’s new book, A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria, chronicling ten years of All Progressives Congress policies.
The Uzodimma administration has touted these projects, along with digital-economy initiatives such as MyImoApp and SkillUpImo, as evidence of “impactful progress” reshaping Imo’s socio-economic landscape.
But opposition politicians and some residents argue that shutting markets and “mobilising” traders for a reception crosses a line. “You can showcase achievements without coercion,” said an Owerri-based civic group in a statement shared online.
As of Monday evening, the state government had not publicly responded to the criticism.
