The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has faulted Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, over his comments on the Monday sit-at-home observed in parts of the South-East.
The group made the allegation in a statement issued on Thursday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.
IPOB condemned what it described as the governor’s reported threat to revoke market ownership and rebuild markets as a punitive measure against traders who continue to close their shops on Mondays in solidarity with its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The group described the remarks as provocative, alleging that they were part of a broader attempt to weaken the Biafra agitation from within the South-East.
IPOB questioned the timing of the comments, pointing to Soludo’s earlier acknowledgment that markets operated on Mondays during the Christmas period without incident.
According to the group, the development contradicted claims that traders observe the sit-at-home out of fear or intimidation, insisting that the action is voluntary.
“The Monday sit-at-home is a peaceful and voluntary act of civil disobedience by traders demanding the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” IPOB said.
The group further argued that the sit-at-home protest has been misrepresented by government authorities and sections of the media, maintaining that it is a legitimate form of political expression.
IPOB also linked Soludo’s stance to what it described as increased international attention on the Biafra issue, claiming the comments were intended to provoke confrontation and undermine its engagements abroad.
The group warned its supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined, urging them to avoid actions that could be portrayed as violent.
IPOB called on the international community, human rights organisations and concerned Nigerians to hold the Anambra State Government accountable for statements it said could endanger lives and livelihoods.
The group reiterated its commitment to non-violent agitation, insisting that its demand for self-determination through a referendum remains unchanged.
