Onitsha Main Market Closure: Gov. Soludo Cannot Stop Sit-at-Home With Intimidation-WUFIPA

Published 31st January 2026.

AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE-The Worldwide United Forum for Igbo Patriots and Aborigines WUFIPA has frowned at the excessive and oppressive approach of the Anambra State government regarding the Monday Sit-at-Home in the State. Condemning the recent closure of the Onitsha Main Market, WUFIPA described Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s approach to the Monday “Sit-at-Home” in Anambra State as draconic, unstrategic, and detached from historical realities related to self-determination struggle in the Southeast since the late sixties.

In a statement released today, WUFIPA’s Founder and National President, Rev. Dr. Onyekachukwu Edwin ChukwudireObi, cautioned the Anambra State government against using intimidation to solve a complex socio-political issue that predates his administration or using the excuse of Sit-at-Home to takeover Onitsha Main Market land for government use.

According to him, “The excuse that dialogue and persuasion has been exhausted in handling the issue of Sit-at-Home in Anambra State over the years, is an admittance of leadership failure on the part of Anambra State government.

“We reiterate that Governor Soludo lacks what it takes to intimidate the history behind the Biafra agitation, and he cannot force a solution on a historical and emotional issue without genuine dialogue, diplomacy and persuasion”.

WUFIPA asserts that the “Sit-at-home” carries a deep-seated history linked to the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the broader Biafra self-determination agitation. The organization maintains that Governor Chukwuma Soludo cannot ‘intimidate’ this Igbo history away through draconic executive fiat.

“Anambra people’s solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu cannot be erased by arbitrary closure of markets to instill fear on the people-it will be counter-productive”.

The Forum argues that if the governor is genuinely concerned about the State’s security, economy and the welfare of the people, his priority should be to provide ‘robust security’ for those willing to open their shops on Mondays, rather than punishing those who stay home out of fear or solidarity for the Biafra cause.
“Market closures are not the solution. Provide security, not intimidation”.

WUFIPA highlights the lack of strategic ‘welfare package’ for traders whose livelihood are being disrupted by government-enforced closures. “Closing markets-businesses the government did not establish for these individuals -without providing alternatives is viewed as a lack of strategic leadership and humiliation of the people”.

WUFIPA noted that the violence previously associated with Mondays has largely receded, with many citizens now adopting the day as a “Sabbath”. The Organization questioned why the governor waited until he was no longer facing immediate re-election threats before adopting such a draconic and aggressive measures?

According to Rev. Dr. Onyekachukwu Edwin ChukwudireObi:
“Dialogue and genuine unbiased approach remain the only solutions to the Sit-at-Home and the Biafra agitation in the Southeast.
Gov Soludo cannot stop Anambra State citizens from expressing sympathy for the travails of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or solidarity for the cause of Biafra through arbitrary use of State power”.

A Call for Reversal of the Closure

WUFIPA joins other well meaning Nigerians and the Igbo community across the globe in calling for a reversal of these authoritarian punitive anti-people measures.
The Organization insists that “dancing to the gallery” with the instruments of power will not resolve the underlying socio-cultural and socio-political factors that gave birth to Monday Sit-at-Home.

WUFIPA reaffirms that Anambra State is not the only state in the southeast observing Monday Sit-at-Home and urges the Anambra State government to prioritize dialogue, persuasion and the protection of Anambra citizens over intimidation, threats and markets closures.

“The closure of Onitsha Main market or other markets in Anambra State resurrects the pains and hardship the larger Igbo society suffer because of the Biafra agitation.
Gov Soludo will be haunted all his life, if he continues decides to add more pains through his misuse of power”

Media and Advocacy Department of: Worldwide United Forum for Igbo Patriots and Aborigines(WUFIPA))

About WUFIPA Organization
WUFIPA is a leading National advocacy Igbo voice committed to the socio-political advancement, economic growth and unified leadership of the Igbo race within the Nigerian Federation. The WUFIPA Organization works to ensure Southern Nigeria regional cohesion and political enlightenment through strategic grassroots participation and mobilization in Nigeria’s democratic process.