A United States-based organisation, The Rising Sun Foundation, has warned Charles Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, over the blockade of Onitsha’s business district, accusing him of strangling economic activities in the commercial city.
The group, alongside a global coalition for Biafra restoration, said the governor’s action amounted to a betrayal of the Igbo people and could attract international consequences.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its United States representative, Dr. Maxwell Dede, the foundation described the blockade as “tyrannical” and contrary to democratic and economic rights.
The organisation alleged that Soludo had reneged on commitments he made four years ago to support a broad dialogue on the future of the Igbo people within or outside Nigeria.
It criticised the deployment of military and police personnel to block major economic routes in Onitsha, describing the action as undemocratic and harmful to traders and residents.
The group insisted that the crisis in Onitsha was not caused by disobedience by merchants but by what it termed gubernatorial failure, warning that the continued shutdown of economic activities could further destabilise the area.
It also faulted the governor’s perceived silence over the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as evidence of political convenience rather than conviction.
The foundation warned that any harm to peaceful protesters or traders would be blamed on the Anambra State Government, adding that responsibility for any breakdown of law and order would rest with the Government House in Awka.
It said it had begun steps to push for Soludo to be declared persona non grata internationally over what it described as violations of democratic norms and economic rights.
The group called on international observers, human rights organisations and the Federal Government to intervene, demanding the immediate lifting of the blockade and urging dialogue as the path to peace in the South-East.
