TDThe Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has condemned the Anambra State Government’s action to seal shops at Onitsha Main Market following traders’ non‑compliance with a directive to open businesses on Mondays.
Spokesperson / Media and Publicity Secretary Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Comrade Emma Powerful, made the remarks yesterday, February 11, 2026.
Comrade Powerful described the action as authoritarian, collective punishment, and counterproductive to restoring normalcy.
The statement reiterates IPOB’s commitment to peaceful, lawful conduct and urges Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo to reverse the sealing and unseal affected shops immediately.
Background
Context: Reports indicate the Anambra State Government has begun sealing shops at Onitsha Main Market in enforcement of a prior threat against traders who did not open on Mondays.
IPOB position on sit‑at‑home: IPOB’s leader, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has publicly called for an end to the sit‑at‑home and any violent enforcement of it.
IPOB characterizes the sit‑at‑home, where it occurs, as a voluntary civil expression of solidarity over the continued detention of their leader, not a coercive policy.
Key Issues Raised by IPOB
- Nature of the action:
Sealing shops is framed as reckless and authoritarian, amounting to collective punishment of traders who have committed no crime.
- Legal and moral argument:
IPOB compares the sealing to an unlawful eviction, arguing that even a landlord cannot lawfully lock out a tenant for not occupying a property on a particular day.
Therefore, a governor should not seal citizens’ shops without lawful cause, Powerful stated.
- Human behavior and governance:
IPOB contends that threats and displays of force will not instantly change public behavior.
It emphasised, rather, that leadership should rely on persuasion, patience, and respect for citizens’ rights.
- Community impact:
The action, IPOB said, risks provoking tension, deepening mistrust between government and citizens.
The group added that it may retraumatize people who have experienced humiliation and economic destruction elsewhere.
IPOB Demands and Recommendations
IPOB, therefore, demands the following:
- Immediate reversal: IPOB strongly advises Governor Soludo to reverse the sealing action and unseal all affected shops.
- Leadership conduct: IPOB urges leadership to exercise restraint, wisdom, and respect for the rule of law.It emphasizing that leadership should protect citizens rather than intimidate them.
- Avoid provocation: It reminded Soludo to avoid actions capable of provoking the populace and to pursue negotiated, lawful political solutions.
IPOB’s Commitment
IPOB reiterates its commitment to peace, lawful conduct, and a negotiated political resolution.
It warned that intimidation and economic punishment will not achieve the desired normalcy and may instead escalate tensions.
IPOB views the sealing of shops at Onitsha Main Market as an unjustified and harmful exercise of state power.
The organization called for an immediate reversal of the action, respect for citizens’ rights, and leadership that fosters healing and unity rather than coercion.
