Abuja Igbo Community Commends Soludo’s Stand Against Economic Sabotage, Appeals for Reopening of Onitsha Market

The President of the Igbo Community Association, FCT, Engr. Ikenna-Ellis Ezenekwe

The Igbo Community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has commended the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Soludo, for his firm stance against economic sabotage arising from the Monday sit-at-home order allegedly enforced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
While applauding the governor’s commitment to restoring economic stability and public order in the state, the community appealed to him to temper justice with mercy, warning that the prolonged closure of Onitsha Main Market the largest market in sub-Saharan Africa could trigger a serious socio-economic and security crisis.
The association cautioned that continued shutdown of the market risks overheating the polity and undermining the relative peace currently enjoyed in Anambra State.
Speaking on behalf of the community, the President of the Igbo Community Association, FCT, Engr. Ikenna-Ellis Ezenekwe, alongside the Secretary-General, Comrade Emmanuel Chinwoke Onah, acknowledged that the government’s actions were well-intentioned and lawful. However, they urged Governor Soludo to reassess his position in the interest of peace, public sentiment, and economic survival of the people.
In a formal statement, the association praised Governor Soludo’s leadership and developmental strides:
“The Igbo Community Association, FCT, commends Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State for his efforts to address economic sabotage and for his unwavering commitment to improving the economic well-being of the state.”
The association further highlighted the governor’s achievements, noting that :
“Your Excellency’s policies and infrastructural overhaul of Anambra State are second to none. Your pace of development clearly surpasses that of previous administrations.”
Despite these commendations, the association stressed that governance must remain people-centered and responsive to public concerns. It therefore called for the immediate reopening of markets shut down in response to protests and sit-at-home violations.
The statement emphasized that the markets are not only economic hubs but also integral to the social and cultural life of the people, adding that their closure has imposed severe hardship on traders, artisans, and consumers.
“The people want their markets back; they belong to them. They also seek the freedom to use these markets to express their collective voice. As a true son of the soil, this voice deserves respect.”
Expressing concern over rising tensions in Onitsha, the association warned that residents have already begun taking to the streets in protest, and the situation is rapidly escalating.
“If the markets are not reopened without delay, these protests could degenerate into a breakdown of law and order, leading to injuries, loss of lives, and destruction of property,” the statement warned.
The association underscored the importance of democratic principles, urging the governor to uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful expression and dissent.
“As a pan-African leader and a democrat, you understand that protest is a legitimate means through which citizens communicate their grievances to those in power.”they said.
The Igbo Community Association, FCT, appealed to Governor Soludo to listen to the voices of the people and pursue a peaceful, inclusive resolution to the impasse.
“We urge Your Excellency to act swiftly in addressing these concerns and to reopen the markets to prevent further escalation. We seek harmonious engagement, not the application of brute force.” they added.