A United States-based advocacy organisation, Ambassadors for Self-Determination (U.S.), has urged Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to prioritise dialogue and negotiation over enforcement in addressing the lingering sit-at-home situation in parts of the state.
In a statement signed by its President, Mazi Ben Nwankwo, and Secretary, Chief Charles Edemuzo, the group said lasting peace and economic recovery would be better achieved through consultation and structured engagement with stakeholders.
“Dialogue remains the most sustainable path to restoring normalcy and rebuilding trust between government and citizens,” the organisation said, adding that peaceful and inclusive talks could help address grievances while safeguarding public safety and economic activities.
The sit-at-home order, which has continued to disrupt commercial and social life in parts of the South-East, has been linked to agitation over the detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who is serving a life sentence for treason-related offences.
Although IPOB has, at different times, announced the suspension of the weekly sit-at-home, compliance—voluntary or otherwise—has persisted in some areas, deepening economic losses and raising security concerns.
Governor Soludo’s administration has consistently described the practice as harmful to the state’s economy and residents’ welfare, and has rolled out measures to encourage businesses, schools and markets to resume normal activities, especially on Mondays.
However, the U.S.-based group argued that wider consultations with community leaders, traders’ associations, youth groups and civil society organisations could produce a workable and mutually acceptable roadmap.
It also called for confidence-building measures and phased adjustments, noting that security presence during any transition should reassure residents and create a safe environment for daily activities to resume.
