Member representing Ikwuano Umuahia North & South in the House of Representatives, Rt Hon Obi Aguocha, has faulted the Anambra State Governor, Prof Charles Soludo, over his handling of efforts to end the Monday sit at home practice in the South East, warning that the approach could worsen tension across the region.
In an early morning online statement released on January 28, 2026, Aguocha, who represents Ikwuano, Umuahia North and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, said that recent actions by the Anambra State Government have unintentionally revived fear and resistance among residents.
According to him, the South East had witnessed gradual improvement in economic and social activities in the past three years, with many markets, plazas and shopping centres returning to normal operations. He noted that several stakeholders had worked quietly to reduce the impact and observance of the Monday sit at home, leading to relative calm in many rural and commercial communities.
The lawmaker, however, described the method adopted by Governor Soludo to end the practice as unconstructive. He argued that certain policies and enforcement measures had reignited old grievances and could open the door to increased insecurity, crime and instability if not urgently reviewed.
Aguocha maintained that private business owners should not be compelled by government to open or close their shops, stressing that such decisions fall within their fundamental rights. He questioned whether similar sanctions would apply to individuals who close their businesses early for religious activities, saying commercial decisions are not strictly controlled by state or labour structures.
He further linked the lingering unrest in the region to broader national issues, including the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu, alleged bias in the criminal justice system, insecurity affecting Christian communities, and what he described as long standing marginalisation of the Igbo people. He said failure to address these concerns could deepen resentment toward the Nigerian state.
On the political front, Aguocha cautioned that voter behaviour in the South East could be affected if grievances remain unresolved, insisting that the voices and votes of the people must be respected.
The federal lawmaker called on residents to remain calm and avoid destruction of lives and property, while urging them to continue to demand their fundamental rights through lawful means. He reaffirmed his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents and said he would continue to pursue what he described as the best path toward justice and freedom for his people.
