The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has hailed residents of Anambra State for observing the weekly Monday sit-at-home protest in solidarity with its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but the group slammed Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo for shutting the main market.
This followed the Anambra State Government ordering the closure of Onitsha Main Market for one week following traders’ failure to open for business despite Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s directive to disregard the Monday sit-at-home order linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Soludo announced the shutdown, on Monday.
Security operatives, including police and military personnel, were deployed to enforce the closure, turning away traders who attempted to access the market.
A media aide to the Governor, Mazi Ejimofor Opara, described the sit-at-home practice as harmful to the state’s economy, saying, “The position of the state government is clear and unambiguous and that is the height of economic sabotage and if you look at the humongous economic loss during each Monday sit at home you will discover that it is a rip off on the economy of the state and that of the business community.”
Opara said the market would reopen after one week but warned of tougher measures if traders failed to comply in subsequent weeks.
In a separate statement, the governor’s Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, said the closure followed “defiance of the market leadership to open, against government directive,” adding that the move was intended to restore normal commercial activity.
Governor Soludo said the state would not allow individuals or groups to undermine public order and economic activity.
“The government cannot stand by while a few individuals willfully undermine public safety and disregard official directives meant to restore normalcy, this is plain economic sabotage,” he said.
“You either decide that you are going to trade here or you go elsewhere. I am very serious about this,” the governor added, warning that the market could face a longer shutdown if non-compliance continues.”
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB said the sit-at-home was peacefully observed and reflected what it described as the resolve of Anambra people to demand the release of Kanu.
The group praised residents for what it called their “courage and sacrifice,” stating that the action demonstrated a commitment to justice and freedom. IPOB reiterated its call for the unconditional release of its leader, describing the demand as central to its agitation.
IPOB expressed disappointment with Governor Soludo, alleging that his administration had threatened market closures in response to the sit-at-home. The group said such actions, if carried out, would amount to intimidation of citizens exercising what it described as a lawful and peaceful protest.
The separatist group urged traders and residents in Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka and other parts of the state to resume normal business activities, insisting that citizens should not be punished for participating in a protest.
According to IPOB, sit-at-home actions are a form of civil disobedience aimed at drawing attention to perceived injustice, and should not be met with coercive measures. The group argued that democratic governance requires tolerance for dissent and respect for freedom of expression.
IPOB further stated that elected officials should prioritise dialogue and advocacy, particularly regarding Kanu’s detention, rather than confrontations with the populace.
The group urged its supporters and the wider Igbo community to remain peaceful and disciplined, while restating that its primary demand remains the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
