Reps Member Criticizes Soludo's Closure of Onitsha Market

Obi Aguocha, a member of the House of Representatives from Abia State, has expressed strong disapproval of Governor Charles Soludo's recent closure of Onitsha Market. This decisive action was taken in response to traders adhering to a sit-at-home order, reportedly issued by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

According to reports, Governor Soludo visited the market on Monday and observed that many shops were closed, a situation he attributed to compliance with this prohibited order.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano-Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, highlighted that this closure undermined the fragile peace that had been gradually returning to the area over the past few years. He noted that many markets, malls, and shopping centres across Southeast Nigeria had started to operate normally again after years of instability.

"In the last three years, various markets and trading areas have seen a gradual return to normalcy, but Governor Soludo’s decision has threatened to disrupt that progress," Aguocha remarked. He continued, “While I acknowledge the governor's intentions to end the sit-at-home practice, the way he executed this order is fundamentally flawed and counterproductive.”

Aguocha elaborated that the approach taken by Soludo has led to an increase in fear among traders, reviving old grievances and potentially reigniting conflicts in the region. He stated, "Such actions have the potential to foster resistance and revive long-simmering animosities that could lead to increased violence and significant criminal activity if they remain unaddressed."

Moreover, Aguocha emphasized that neither Soludo nor the Anambra State government holds the legal authority to compel private business owners to operate their establishments against their will. He stated, "The governor cannot impose penalties nor compel businesses to operate during these sit-at- home days, as this goes against individual rights and freedoms."

He further cautioned that the ongoing detainment of Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB’s leader, along with perceived marginalization of the Southeast, continues to fuel unrest. Aguocha urged for an urgent resolution to the injustices faced by the region to prevent a recurrence of hostilities, declaring, "If serious measures are not taken to address these issues, the expectation of electoral support from the Southeast based on coercion will fail."

The sit-at-home order was first introduced in August 2021 by IPOB, aimed at pressuring the Nigerian government to release Kanu, who faces terrorism charges. Although the group later modified the order to coincide solely with Kanu's court appearances, a culture of compliance persists largely out of fear in states such as Anambra and Imo.

Despite IPOB’s insistence that individuals enforcing the directive are misusing its name, some members of the group continue to promote these orders. The federal government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, leading to ongoing debates about governance and civil rights in the region.