Mr C. Don Adinuba, Commissioner for Information & Public Enlightenment
made this known in a statement in Awka, the state capital on Monday.
He said “to close down markets three times every week for several hours
on each occasion in order to force every trader to pray at the same time
will rob the state of its competitive edge in business.”
The commissioner affirmed that each market will decide on the day and
time to shut down and hold its own prayers to thank God for His
protection, guidance and blessings
“In the last few months, however, the regular collective and compulsory
prayers have been a source of controversy because of the frequency and
duration.
“Until recently, markets were compulsorily closed every Monday,
Wednesday and Friday from morning till afternoon to enable traders to
pray for success.
“A good number of traders have been complaining that the closures were
too frequent, all the more so since many of them attend morning devotion
daily, say such prayers as The Angelus at midday and Divine Mercy at 3
pm, also daily.
“They have also been complaining that the constant market closures were
depriving them of the opportunity to buy and sell, forcing customers
from Imo, Abia, the two Congos, Cameroon, Chad, Niger Republic, Central
African Republic, Kano, Enugu, Sokoto, Ebonyi, Kogi and elsewhere to go
to markets in neighbouring states like Delta.
“What is more, the traders accuse a certain religious preacher of being
the brain behind the incessant closures for purely private gain.
“They are of the view that he has created a culture of fear and has been
spreading superstition and rancor in the markets by brainwashing traders
into believing that he is responsible for every business breakthrough
while ascribing every failure to the spiritual wickedness and
manipulation of family members and fellow traders.
“In the process, according to the traders, the preacher has been making
a fortune at their expense,” Adinuba said.
According to him, whatever may be the degree of frustration which the
traders feel about the incessant market closures and their possible
manipulation by a self-serving preacher, the Anambra State government
advises all those in the markets in the state to remain spiritual
because their spirituality benefits the state.
“Its significant contribution to Anambra’s emergence as the safest and
most peaceful and united state in the whole country.
What may not be acceptable is the frequency of the collective and
compulsory prayer session.
“To close down markets three times every week for several hours on each
occasion in order to force every trader to pray at the same time will
rob the state of its competitive edge in business.
“It will drive businesses to other places,” he said.
Meanwhile, individuals and groups will continue with their daily prayers
like Morning Devotion, The Angelus and Divine Mercy.