The High Court of Anambra State has directed Governor Charles Soludo to halt plans to demolish the Onitsha Main Market pending the determination of a substantive suit.

Soludo had recently announced his intention to clear sections of the market during a meeting with community leaders, describing its condition as deplorable.

He said the market no longer attracts patronage as it once did and indicated that a “painful” demolition exercise would be undertaken to rebuild it to international standards, citing Taiwan as a benchmark.

Alarmed by the proposed action, affected traders approached the court, arguing that the demolition would inflict severe hardship and financial loss on them.

In a ruling on the petition filed by traders of Human Fence Zone One Line of the Onitsha Main Market, Justice J. I. Nweze ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the substantive matter fixed for March 16.

Some traders who spoke with journalists alleged warned that demolition would compound economic strain and undermine their livelihoods.

Meanwhile, the United Igbo Elders Council also appealed to the governor to reconsider the plan. The group proposed alternatives such as constructing extension markets or relocating specific sections rather than pursuing outright demolition.

The council further called on the administration of Bola Tinubu to ensure that security agencies are not drawn into the dispute, describing the Onitsha market as a national asset that should not be subjected to arbitrary decisions.

A trader and resident, Jude Nwafor, urged the governor to avoid actions that could destabilise the improving security situation in the state.

Several traders described the court’s directive as a reaffirmation of the rule of law and the protection of their rights. (The Nation, but headline rejigged)