“Governor Soludo, unfortunately, has unleashed an army of silent agitators who, for so long, had helped to abate the significance of the Monday sit-at-home rituals”
Over the last three years, many markets, plazas, and shopping centres across the South-East have gradually returned to normalcy, operating freely and unencumbered.
I have worked tirelessly in this direction, and peace was steadily returning to our rural and commercial trading centres.
The Governor’s well-intentioned effort to end the sit-at-home has, however, been executed in the most unconstructive and unacceptable manner. These misguided ordinances and actions have reignited embers of fear, hardened resistance, and resurrected old resentments which, if left unchecked, could plunge us into uncharted waters of renewed violence, serious crimes, and widespread criminality across the South-East.
Governor Soludo cannot force, punish, or compel private business owners to close or open their shops, or to trade or refrain from trading. Would the Governor also invoke the same punitive measures against those who choose to close their shops early on Wednesdays to attend mid-week religious services? Such decisions fall squarely within their fundamental rights and are not governed by any state, labour or market-union relationship.
Furthermore, until the Nigerian state genuinely and sincerely addresses the unjust detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the bias within the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, the ongoing Christian genocide, the marginalisation and entrenched hostility against the Igbo people, and the root causes of youth agitation, we must brace ourselves for an unfortunate vicious cycle of resentment against the Nigerian state in Igbo land.
If nothing urgent is done, no reasonable person or political party should expect Igbo votes by any means whatsoever, whether coerced, manipulated, or compelled. Our votes will count. We will defend them, even at the cost of our lives.
As your representative, I bear the responsibility of choosing the best path to our cherished freedom and leading you along it. I pledge today to discharge this responsibility with every measure of strength and wisdom at my disposal—guided by your hopes, mindful of your concerns, and sustained by your prayers.
I urge all of you to remain calm and not engage in the destruction of lives and property.
However, stand firm, my people. Protest for your fundamental rights. Be assured that I stand firmly with you. Enough is enough!
Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha, MHR
Member Representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South
Federal House Constituency, Abia State
