IPOB warns Soludo against intimidation of Biafrans, defends sit-at-home

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has called on Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo to halt what they described as the continuous intimidation of Biafrans in Anambra State.

In a statement released by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, titled “IPOB Calls on Soludo and His Cronies to be Careful Over Continuous Intimidation of Biafrans in Anambra State,” the group emphasized that the ongoing Monday sit-at-home protests in the Southeast are not a result of coercion, but rather a voluntary act of solidarity with their detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB urged Governor Soludo not to underestimate the deep affection that Biafrans, both within the 13 Igbo-dominated states in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, have for Kanu. They stated that the sit-at-home protests, which were initially called off by IPOB but continue to be observed, represent a form of self-sacrifice and a peaceful means of expressing displeasure over Kanu’s prolonged detention.

The statement read, “We, the great and noble family of the Indigenous People of Biafra, under the command of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to inform Governor Chukwuma Soludo not to underestimate the deep affection Biafrans in core Igbo land and beyond have for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. 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 further criticized the Southeast governors, including Soludo, for failing to act on their promise to formally request Kanu’s release from President Bola Tinubu. IPOB reminded the public that nearly six months have passed since the governors resolved in a meeting in Enugu to visit the President for Kanu’s release, yet no action has been taken.

“Insecurity in Anambra and across the Southeast continues, and we believe that the only solution is the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement added. “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.”

IPOB also accused the governors of benefiting financially from the insecurity in the region, alleging that they are taking advantage of inflated security budgets. They insisted that those participating in the sit-at-home protests are exercising their right to peaceful protest and should not be subjected to intimidation or punishment.

The group concluded by affirming that the sit-at-home protests will continue until Kanu is released, urging Soludo to reconsider his approach to 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.”