Anambra State government has debunked rumours of plans to shut down markets in the state.

A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment,  Mr C-Don Adinuba said that some politicians, working in cahoots with some misguided elements, have been spreading the rumour that the state government has decided to shut down all markets in the state from December 25, 2018, to January 14, 2019.

The statement made it clear that the rumour is patently false and stated that the date any market will close or reopen for the year is the prerogative of the traders union in a given market as government does not meddle  such matters

It noted that the Executive Committee of the traders union of the Onitsha Main Market, for instance, has decided to shut down the market from two o’clock in the afternoon, on December 24, 2018, and reopen it on January 3, 2019, to enable members and other stakeholders to participate effectively in the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The statement explained that this decision has been communicated to the state government and the state government has, in turn, accepted it and is working round the clock to provide adequate security at the Main Market and other commercial places in Onitsha and beyond.

It said that Anambra State government appreciated the enormous cooperation it has received from various groups of traders in the state over the years and will continue to work hand in hand with all the traders and their leaders i for the benefit of all the people of Anambra State.

The statement reiterated that for markets in the State will continue to operate the way they have always done during the Christmas and New Year period in the state while any change in the resumption date will be  confined to every individual market because of its peculiar challenges.