A pan-Igbo socio-political association, Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union(NIWU) has expressed concern over the situation in Anambra State, warning Governor Chukwuma Soludo against taking actions that could lead to bloodshed.
In a statement issued on Friday, signed by its President, Mazi Ben Nwankwo, and Secretary, Chief Charles Edemuzo, the group said that it would not want a repeat of the type of killings witnessed in Imo State to be repeated in Anambra.
“Governor Soludo, Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union, will not accept what transpired in Imo state, where myriads of deaths were recorded and our youths imprisoned without accountability whatsoever, to occur in Anambra State,” the group said
The warning came against the backdrop of the sealing of shops in Onitsha main market by Governor Soludo following his face-off with traders for complying with the Monday sit-at-home directive given by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The traders, who were obeying the directive of IPOB, had stayed away from their commercial activities to show solidarity with its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Soludo was provoked to anger by the action of the traders promptjng him to close the market for days in order to forcefully compel traders to abandon their solidarity with Kanu and the cause he is fighting for.
But Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union stated that the Anambra Governor has no legal power to stop citizens from deciding not to open their shops.
According to the association, Soludo’s decision to force residents to go out on sit-at-home days endangered lives and property due to the attendant chaotic situation.
It noted that Soludo should have adopted a more diplomatic approach to address issues surrounding compliance with the sit-at-home, to avoid creating more problems.
The group pointed out that “in a democratic society, individuals, businesses, and private offices have the right to decide when to open or close”, adding that “it is within their power to operate as they so choose”.
Ndi Igbo Worldwide Union described the sealing of shops as “an act of injustice”, adding, that “injustice is not only carried when the court of law renders injustice for justice, like in 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.”
It reminded Prof. Soludo that “your citizens were killed when you forced them to the markets and schools”, aaying that the Governor was aware that last Monday gun shots were fired to ensure that forced compliance was obeyed.
The Union wondered how a man who is well grounded in economic reality would think that strangulation of economic activities in Anambra would contribute to economic growth.
It also queried Soludo whether his actions “are motivated by political gains”, thereby doing the bidding of those that promised him higher political position such as becoming the presidency, or the vice-president.
However, NIWU noted that “such promises are not worth destroying the livelihoods of the people, adding that Soludo’s actions would come back to haunt him in future.
It reminded thr Anambra Governor that “power is transient (and) one day, the children of these traders, teachers, and commoners will hold you accountable” and by then the immunity he is basking on heavily would be no more.
“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?
The Union urged Soludo to consider making deals with the traders, starting with twice sit-at-home a month to once a month. This could graduate to erasing the exercise from their calendar”.
It also advised him to “put yourself in check”
and refrain from operating in lawlessness, (because) without law and order, man is nothing but a savage beast”.
