The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on traders in Anambra State to resume business activities and reopen markets on Tuesday, insisting that the move represents citizens’ constitutional right to livelihood rather than an act of defiance against the state government.
In a statement issued on January 26 and signed by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB said the decision reflects the “will of the people” and urged Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to respect what it described as the collective choice of residents and traders across the state.
The group argued that Igbo-owned businesses were established largely without government support and pointed to past challenges, including the COVID-19 lockdown, as evidence of the resilience and entrepreneurial strength of the Igbo people.
IPOB also cited historical experiences to reinforce its position that people of the Southeast would continue to resist policies they consider unjust.
Warning the Anambra State government against enforcing restrictions through security agencies, IPOB cautioned that arrests, harassment, or the use of force could have serious consequences. While stressing that it does not seek confrontation with the governor or state authorities, the group said it expects markets to be allowed to operate freely.
The statement further linked the persistence of sit-at-home actions in parts of the Southeast to the continued detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, renewing calls for his unconditional release. According to the group, Kanu’s freedom would restore peace and enable normal economic activities in the region.
“Tomorrow, our markets shall open,” IPOB declared, insisting that no force should prevent traders from carrying out their businesses.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Governor Soludo ordered the closure of the Onitsha Main Market for one week over traders’ continued observance of IPOB’s Monday sit-at-home, despite government directives lifting the practice.
The directive was issued during an unscheduled visit to the market on Monday, where the governor observed that many shops remained closed. Addressing traders, journalists, and security officials, Soludo warned that the state government would no longer tolerate partial compliance with its policy mandating full economic activities from Monday to Saturday.
He announced that the market would remain shut until the following Monday, adding that traders who fail to resume business after the reopening would face stricter sanctions.
