IPOB Warns Soludo Against “Intimidation” Over Sit-at-Home Protests in Anambra

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern warning to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, urging him to cease what it describes as the ongoing “intimidation” of Biafrans in Anambra State. The group, through its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, stated that the Monday sit-at-home protests in the Southeast are voluntary demonstrations of solidarity with their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, rather than acts driven by coercion.

IPOB emphasized that the sit-at-home protests, initially called off by the group but still widely observed, are a form of peaceful protest expressing displeasure over Kanu’s continued detention. “People are staying at home on Mondays voluntarily, not because of threats from individuals or coercion by any actors. All they want is the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the group declared.

The group also criticized the Southeast governors, including Soludo, for failing to fulfill a promise to formally request Kanu’s release from President Bola Tinubu. IPOB reminded the public that nearly six months have elapsed since the governors resolved to approach the President for Kanu’s release, yet no concrete steps have been taken.

Addressing the ongoing insecurity in the Southeast, IPOB contended that releasing Kanu is the only viable solution. The group accused the governors of exploiting the region’s instability for financial gain, citing inflated security budgets. “You governors are playing politics with the sit-at-home protests and the insecurity that plagues our land because you fail to recognize the deep-seated anger our people feel over your inaction,” the statement read.

IPOB reiterated that participants in the sit-at-home protests are exercising their right to peaceful protest and should not face intimidation. The group vowed to continue the demonstrations until Kanu’s release, urging Soludo to reconsider his stance on the issue. “Those choosing to sit at home are doing so for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and no one else. You cannot stop it by force,” IPOB asserted.