Pro-Biafra Group Rejects Soludo’s Market Closure, Says Onitsha Traders Acted Voluntarily

The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has criticised Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over the closure of the Onitsha Main Market, insisting that traders who observed the Monday sit-at-home did so of their own free will and not under coercion.

The Prime Minister of BRGIE, Ogechukwu Nkere, made the assertion on Saturday while reacting to the state government’s decision to shut the market for one week, with a warning of a possible indefinite closure if compliance with sit-at-home actions continues.

Governor Soludo had ordered the market shutdown following reports that many traders still stayed away from business activities on Mondays, a development that allegedly sparked protests and unrest in parts of the state.

The governor subsequently warned that the market could face an extended closure as part of efforts to restore order and safeguard economic activities in Anambra.

However, Nkere, who recently assumed leadership of BRGIE after the sentencing of Simon Ekpa in Finland, described the government’s action as unfair and directed at innocent traders.

In a statement, he maintained that neither BRGIE nor any of its affiliates forced traders in Onitsha to close their shops, stressing that participation in sit-at-home protests was a personal decision made out of conviction.

“Onitsha traders have the right to freedom of expression, including the voluntary decision to observe sit-at-home actions. These actions are undertaken entirely of their own volition. The BRGIE and its affiliates did not coerce or compel anyone,” Nkere said.

He condemned what he described as threats against traders, including alleged plans to demolish shops and markets, warning that such measures would only worsen tension in the state.

Nkere also compared the sit-at-home protests to historical acts of civil disobedience, citing India’s independence struggle under Mahatma Gandhi, which relied on peaceful resistance, economic boycotts and non-compliance.

According to him, shutting down markets and threatening the livelihoods of traders would not address the underlying grievances in the region.

He added that the sit-at-home actions were carried out in solidarity with IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and as a form of protest against perceived oppression.

The BRGIE leader urged the Anambra State government to refrain from punitive measures, warning that such actions could escalate unrest rather than restore stability.