- Pro-Biafra group says Onitsha traders stayed home by choice
- BRGIE faults Soludo over Onitsha Main Market closure
- Group denies any intimidation or enforcement of sit-at-home
- Warns that threats against traders may worsen tensions
A pro-Biafra group, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), has rejected claims that Onitsha traders were forced to observe the Monday sit-at-home, insisting the action was voluntary and not imposed by any organisation.
The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has criticised Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, over the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market, insisting that traders who observed the Monday sit-at-home acted of their own free will.
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The group’s Prime Minister, Ogechukwu Nkere, made the position known while reacting to the state government’s decision to shut the market for one week, with warnings of an indefinite closure if compliance with sit-at-home actions continues.
Governor Soludo had ordered the shutdown following reports that a large number of traders stayed away from their shops on Monday, a situation that allegedly led to protests and tension in parts of the state.
However, Nkere described the decision as unfair, arguing that innocent traders were being punished for exercising their right to choose whether or not to open their businesses.
“Onitsha traders have the right to freedom of expression, including the voluntary decision to observe sit-at-home actions,” Nkere said.
“These actions are undertaken entirely of their own volition. The BRGIE and its affiliates did not coerce or compel anyone.”
Nkere, who recently assumed leadership of the BRGIE following the sentencing of Simon Ekpa in Finland, also faulted what he described as threats against traders, including alleged plans to demolish shops and markets.
According to him, such measures would only escalate tensions rather than resolve the region’s long-standing grievances.
He likened the sit-at-home action to historical acts of peaceful civil disobedience, referencing India’s independence struggle under Mahatma Gandhi, which involved non-violent resistance, economic boycotts and non-compliance.
The BRGIE leader warned that shutting down markets and threatening traders’ livelihoods would not address the root causes of unrest in the South-East.
