IPOB Hails Anambra Residents Over Sit-at-Home, Warns Soludo Against Market Closures

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has commended residents of Anambra State for observing the Monday sit-at-home despite warnings by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.

Reports indicated that traders and residents largely stayed indoors on Monday in compliance with the sit-at-home directive, prompting the state government to shut the Onitsha Main Market for one week.

It was gathered that the closure could be extended to one month if traders fail to reopen their shops next Monday.

Reacting in a statement on Monday, IPOB, through its spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the action of the people reflected their collective resolve.

The group also cautioned Governor Soludo against threatening traders with prolonged market closures.

“The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the supreme leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, sincerely thanks and salutes the great people of Anambra State for today’s peaceful sit-at-home observed in solidarity with our leader,” the statement read.

IPOB said the development showed that residents valued dignity and justice above economic considerations, describing the sit-at-home as a peaceful protest demanding the release of its detained leader.

The group expressed disappointment with Governor Soludo, alleging that he had chosen to threaten residents in order to satisfy external interests, despite previously showing sympathy toward Nnamdi Kanu’s plight.

IPOB urged traders to disregard the market closure and resume business activities from Tuesday, calling on residents of Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka to open their shops peacefully.

“No governor has the right to punish citizens for peacefully exercising their conscience. The threats to shut down markets are acts of intimidation and not governance,” the group said.

It further warned that any attempt to prevent traders from opening their shops would be resisted, while urging residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding.

IPOB also called on Governor Soludo to channel his efforts toward advocating for the release of Nnamdi Kanu rather than confronting residents of the state.

Describing the sit-at-home as a form of civil disobedience against injustice, the group insisted that democracy thrives on respect for freedom of expression and lawful protest.

The statement concluded with a renewed demand for Kanu’s release, stressing that calls for justice would persist until that demand is met, while urging Ndị Igbo to remain disciplined and focused.