CYRIL MBAH, Abuja
Two U.S.-based organisations, known as the Rising Sun Foundation, and the Global Coalition for Biafra Restoration, have warned Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State against taking actions aimed at inflicting more hardship and suffering on citizens of the state, condemning his closure of Onitsha Main Market.
While accusing Soludo of betraying the Igbo people with thoughtless punitive actions, the groups warned that they would lobby the United States Government and other Western nations to declare a persona non grata status on the governor should he continue with the anti-people policies of his administration.
In a statement signed by Dr. Maxwell Dede, representing The Rising Sun Foundation, the groups described Soludo’s actions as “tyrannical” and a “flagrant betrayal” of promises he made four years ago to support a grand dialogue on the Igbo people’s future within or outside Nigeria.
According to the groups, “Governor Soludo stands accused of a profound and treacherous betrayal.
Four years ago, he courted the support of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the aspirations of millions, publicly pledging to facilitate a grand dialogue for the Igbo people.
Today, he actively persecutes the very people and principles that propelled him to power,” the statement said.
The groups criticized the governor for deploying predominantly non-Igbo military and police personnel to block economic arteries, describing the move as “the act of a tin-pot dictator, not a democratic leader.”
The groups further claimed that the Onitsha market crisis is “not a result of merchant disobedience but of gubernatorial failure and dictatorial impulse.
“The governor is strangling the economic life-blood of the people he swore to serve, shattering the fragile peace he claims to protect,” the foundation said.
The groups also condemned Soludo’s perceived comfort with the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government, describing it as evidence that Soludo is “a politician of convenience, not conviction.”
They warned that any harm inflicted on peaceful protesters or traders exercising their rights would be interpreted as “an open declaration of war against the Igbo people and their fundamental human rights.
The blood will be on Soludo’s hands.”
The groups added that the world should hold the Government House in Awka responsible for any breakdown of law and order, insisting that “Governor Soludo fired the first shot with this unjust and provocative market blockade.”
“We are a peaceful people, but we say no to more killings. The era of Igbo governors colluding to spill the blood of Igbo youths is over.
We will not stand idly by and watch history repeat itself,” the statement said.
The groups also announced it was initiating steps to have Soludo declared as a persona non grata internationally for what it described as gross violations of democratic norms and economic rights, asserting that if he does not retrace his steps, “his welcome on the international stage will be rightfully rescinded.”
While calling on international observers, human rights organizations, and the Federal Government to take action, the foundation said, “The siege on Onitsha market must be lifted.
The path to peace in the South-East is through justice, dialogue, and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu—not through military barricades and economic suffocation.”
The groups concluded by warning, “Governor Soludo, you are at the brink. Pull back. Respect the people. Honour your forgotten promises. The world is watching.”
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