The Indigenous People of Biafra say the only solution to stop the Monday sit-at-home protests in Anambra State is the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The group also asked the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, to desist from harassing and intimidating residents of the state over the sit-at-home order.
In a statement on Tuesday, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, insisted that the people observe the sit-at-home because of the deep love they have for the pro-Biafran leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
He said that even though the exercise had been called off, the South-East residents still observed it as a sacrifice to register their protest and displeasure at the continued detention of Kanu.
The statement read partly, “We, the great and noble family of the IPOB under the command of Nnamdi Kanu, wish to inform Governor Chukwuma Soludo not to underestimate the deep affection Biafrans in the 13 contiguous states and especially those in core Igboland and diaspora have for the leader of IPOB.
“Dear Governor, please know that the people staying at home on Mondays are doing so voluntarily not because of any threat from inconsequential individuals or coercive action by any actors. Ask anybody, including those purportedly enforcing the order, they will tell you that the release of Nnamdi Kanu is all they require to stop. Those choosing to sit at home are doing so because of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and nobody else. You cannot stop it by force.
“Biafrans see this act of self-sacrifice on Mondays as the only way to register their protest and displeasure at the unwarranted and continued unlawful detention of Nnamdi Kanu which the South-East governors, of which you are one, is actively aiding and abetting.
“The same people you are asking to abandon their quiet protest on Mondays are the same people you and your fellow governors from the South-East have repeatedly disappointed in your calculated failure to honour your words to visit the Nigerian President to formally request for the release of our leader.”
The statement added, “In fairness to you, you tried to appeal to the controllers of the last regime, but they failed to see reason with you due to their pathological hatred of the Igbo race.”
Kanu, who was arrested on June 27, 2021, in Kenya and subsequently extradited to Nigeria, is facing charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and inciting violence through his Radio Biafra, amongst others.
Contrary to the governor’s directive during his visit to the Onitsha Main Market, where he threatened to seal any shop or plaza that remained closed on Mondays in the name of the sit-at-home, commercial and economic activities were paralysed on Monday across major markets in the commercial cities of Onitsha, Nnewi, Obosi, and Ekwulobia in Anambra State.
Also, there was a low turnout of traders, as most shops in major markets such as Onitsha Main Market, Ochanja Market, Nkpor Motor Parts Market, Electrical Market, and Mgbuka Market, remained under lock and key.
