Market leaders in Enugu State have been issued a stern warning by the state government against the planned closure of key markets in the capital city in order to force traders to attend a political rally in support of President Bola Tinubu and Governor Peter Mbah. Violators will be subject to fines, according to the statement.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Enugu East Senatorial District held a solidarity protest, and some market association executives were reportedly preparing to shut down markets on Saturday (today). This prompted the warning.
Tinubu and Mbah are hoping to rally supporters to help them win re-election.
Dr. Malachy Agbo, the state’s commissioner for information and communication, issued a statement on Friday distancing the state from the planned shutdown of the market, arguing that the action ran counter to the state’s economic objective and policy against interruptions to commercial activities.
Agbo claims that the government will not tolerate any behaviour that could harm economic activity or violate citizens’ rights, even if it values the support and kindness of merchants throughout the state.
“The Enugu State Government has been made aware of reports that there is an alleged plot to close markets in the capital city of Enugu as a show of support for the Enugu East zonal rally, which aims to rally support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Governor Peter Mbah, in the run-up to the 2027 general election,” the statement continued.
“The administration is grateful for the outpouring of support from vendors throughout the state, but it takes issue with any effort by market leaders to cancel the scheduled rally at key markets in the Enugu East Senatorial District.”
According to Agbo, Mbah’s plan to revamp the state’s economy and entice investors would be undermined if markets were to be closed.
“This goes against the administration’s goals of increasing Enugu State’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30 billion, as well as promoting the state as an attractive place to live, work, visit, and invest. It also goes against the administration’s decision to outlaw illegal sit-at-homes starting June 5, 2023,” he stated.
The government also made sure political players and business moguls knew that becoming politically active is still an individual decision that is safeguarded by the Constitution.
Freedom of association and assembly is also guaranteed by the Constitution (as amended) of 1999. Therefore, no group’s actions at today or future rallies should be seen as undermining these rights. The statement went on to say that people should be able to freely participate in politics without fear of retaliation for going to the marketplace or other public places where they make a living.
Residents and merchants were advised by the state government to ignore any order to close markets and carry on with their authorised activities on Saturday.
Moreover, the alert informed security and regulatory agencies to keep an eye on compliance in the state capital.
“Therefore, it is important for the public and market leaders in the state to pay attention, because the government will not hesitate to punish any behaviour that goes against this,” the statement said.