IPOB tackles Soludo over threat to revoke Onitsha Main Market

2026-01-29 - 18:35

By Chimaobi Nwaiwu The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has tackled Governor Charles Soludo over what it called his reckless and provocative utterances since he closed the Onitsha Main Market. A statement by IPOB, Media and Publicity Emma Powerful, titled Soludo’s reckless threats unmasks a sinister plot to undermine Biafra’s peaceful struggle and foment instability in Igboland”,accused Governor Soludo of working in conjunction with the people at the seat of government in Abuja against Ndigbo and to undermine and sabotage the Biafra restoration. IPOB also berated the Governor for allegedly threatening to revoke the market’s ownership, rebuild the stores, and allocate them to people. IPOB’s statement read “The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, vehemently condemns the outrageous and provocative utterances of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, who has brazenly threatened to revoke market ownerships, rebuild and reallocate them as a punitive measure against traders observing the Monday weekly sit-at-home in solidarity with our leader’s unjust incarceration. “Soludo’s action is nothing short of a carefully scripted, malevolent agenda orchestrated from Abuja to sabotage the Biafra restoration movement from within, right under the watchful eyes of the international community. “Those lacking foresight and critical insight fail to grasp the profoundly destructive implications of Soludo’s words, which echo the treacherous playbook of past collaborators, recruited to betray Biafran interests during our darker times before, during and after the war. “We demand answers: Why now? This is the question we should all ask ourselves. Soludo himself admitted that during the Christmas shopping season, markets flourished on Mondays without incident, utterly debunking the fabricated narrative of intimidation or fear as the driver of sit-at-home observance. “This exposes the lie peddled by Nigerian authorities and their puppets that our people were forced to observe the sit-home due to terror when in truth, the Monday closures of markets was voluntary, peaceful civil disobedience by Onitsha and Aba business owners and traders to demand the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. “Yet, this legitimate expression of solidarity has been grotesquely twisted by propaganda machines to drown out the real cause: justice for our leader and self-determination for Biafra. “Soludo’s escalation comes at a pivotal moment when global attention is turning toward Biafra’s plight and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s rising international profile. His threats are a desperate bid for confrontation, aimed at derailing our intensified diplomatic push for Biafra recognition. “Make no mistake, this is not merely about Monday sit-at-home; it is a grand conspiracy emanating from government houses across Igboland to halt the unstoppable momentum of Biafra restoration. “Despite the sham conviction and life imprisonment imposed on our leader, his spirit remains unbroken, propelling Biafra to unprecedented heights. Our emissaries have worked tirelessly to maintain relative peace in Igboland, only for Soludo to recklessly attempt to reverse these gains and ignite chaos. “We warn that Nigeria’s regime is funneling vast sums into Republican lobbying firms in Washington to paint Biafraland as an unstable, ungovernable region, hoping to dissuade figures like President Trump from recognizing our rightful aspirations. “That is why we must be careful with our utterances and actions. Soludo’s role in this act of grand treachery against our people is regrettable and will be remembered as a betrayal of his own people. “No Yoruba or Fulani governor will do to their people, what Soludo is doing to Onitsha businessmen and women. Biafrans must remain vigilant against false flag operations from Soludo’s militia, media manipulation, and provocations designed to portray us as violent, thereby justifying further oppression. We must not allow Soludo to replicate Imo State in Anambra State. “IPOB calls on all Biafrans to stay disciplined, peaceful, and resolute in our non-violent resistance. The world must witness our maturity and commitment to dialogue, not the chaos Soludo and his handlers seek to engineer. “We urge the international community, human rights bodies, and well-meaning Nigerians to hold Soludo accountable for these inflammatory threats that endanger lives and economic livelihoods. Our path to freedom through a referendum remains steadfast; Biafra’s liberation is inevitable. Biafra Lives! No Retreat, No Surrender!” Vanguard News