Governor Chukwuma Soludo has been warned against taking actions that could lead to a repeat of the type of killings witnessed in Imo State in Anambra State.
The warning was issued by a pan-Igbo socio-political association, Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union, over the sealing of shops in Onitsha Main Market by Governor Soludo.
Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union, in a statement on Friday, signed by President, Mazi Ben Nwankwo, and Secretary, Chief Charles Edemuzo, also condemned the closure of the market over the traders’ compliance with the sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to show solidarity with its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The association accused Soludo of recklessness, saying his actions show he is power drunk.
According to Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union, the governor has no power to stop citizens from deciding not to open their shops.
Noting that Soludo’s decision to force residents to go out on sit-at-home days endangered lives and property, the union argued that the governor should have adopted a more diplomatic approach to address issues surrounding compliance with the sit-at-home, to avert causing more problems.
The statement said, “In a democratic society, individuals, businesses, and private offices have the right to open or close their offices; it is within their power to operate as they so choose.
“Governor Soludo, Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union, will not accept what transpired in Imo state to occur in Anambra state, where myriad of deaths were recorded and our youths imprisoned without accountability whatsoever.
“May I remind you, Prof. Soludo that your citizens were killed when you forced them to the markets and schools. Are you aware that last Monday gun shots were fired to ensure that forced compliance is simply de facto and have no place in the civilized society.
“For a man who comprehend economic reality, how does strangulation of Anambra comic activities contribute to the economy you profess? Where is the science method of reasoning supporting this concept? I guess, only in Nigeria.”
The union wondered whether Soludo’s actions are motivated by political gains, asking, “Whose bid are you conducting? Could it be that you have been promised the Presidency, or the Vice?”
Noting that such promises are not worth destroying the livelihoods of the people, the statement added, “May I remind you that power is transient. One day, the children of these traders, teachers, and commoners will hold you accountable. Lest I forget, the immunity you are basking on heavily, like the Nazis, will be stripped.
“Could it be that you have been promised a National cake with the assignment to divert the attention of the USA from the Christian Genocide, kidnapping and other atrocities prevalent in the North-West and the Middle-Belt of the country?
“Mr. Solution, the “fix” is simple, caution, humility, and empathy. Could dialogue have had a different response? Consider making deals starting with twice sit-at-home a month to once a month. This could graduate to erasing the exercise from their calendar. The ubiquitous military could have made the difference if they manned the street for safety ab initio.”
Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union described the the sealing of traders’ shops as an act of injustice, adding, “Injustice is not only carried when the court of law renders injustice for justice, like the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Injustice is when leaders sabotage and manipulate the mandate and the trust of the citizens in a corrupt and power-drunk, stubborn manner.”
The union advised Soludo to refrain from operating in lawlessness, stressing that without law and order, man is nothing but a savage beast. “Put yourself in check,” Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union warned the governor.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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