Chinazaekpere Chinwendu, Reporter
Abia State |January 28, 2026 —
Hon. Obi Aguocha, the Member representing Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State, has expressed deep concern over the recent actions taken by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to end the long-standing Monday sit-at-home practice in the South-East, warning that the approach adopted could reignite fear, resistance, and insecurity across the region.
In an online media statement issued in the early hours of Wednesday, January 28, 2026, Aguocha described the governor’s actions as “well-intentioned but unconstructive,” arguing that they have reversed years of painstaking efforts to restore normal economic and social activities in the region. According to him, markets, plazas, and commercial centres across the South-East had gradually resumed operations over the last three years, as fear surrounding the sit-at-home order waned.
“Over the last three years, many markets, plazas, and shopping centres across the South-East have gradually returned to normalcy, operating freely and unencumbered,” Aguocha stated.
“I have worked tirelessly in this direction, and peace was steadily returning to our rural and commercial trading centres.”
The federal lawmaker lamented that the recent directives and enforcement measures introduced by the Anambra State Government have instead “unleashed an army of silent agitators,” undoing the progress previously made. He warned that the renewed climate of fear could lead to increased violence, criminality, and instability if not urgently addressed.
“The Governor’s well-intentioned effort to end the sit-at-home has been executed in the most unconstructive and unacceptable manner,” Aguocha said.
“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.”
Aguocha further argued that the state government lacks the constitutional authority to compel private business owners to open or close their shops, stressing that such decisions fall within the realm of fundamental human rights. He questioned the legality and morality of punitive enforcement measures against traders.
“Governor Soludo cannot force, punish, or compel private business owners to close or open their shops, or to trade or refrain from trading,” he asserted.
“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.”
The lawmaker also linked the persistence of sit-at-home protests to broader national issues, including the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, perceived bias in the administration of criminal justice, and long-standing grievances of marginalisation against the Igbo people. He warned that failure to address these root causes would sustain a cycle of resentment and resistance in the region.
“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 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,” Aguocha said.
He issued a stern political warning, stating that continued coercion and suppression could have far-reaching electoral consequences for political actors seeking support in the South-East.
“If nothing urgent is done, no reasonable person or political party should expect Igbo votes by any means whatsoever, whether coerced, manipulated, or compelled,” he declared. “Our votes will count. We will defend them.”
Despite his strong criticism, Aguocha called for calm and restraint among the people, urging them to avoid violence while standing firm in the defense of their rights. He reaffirmed his commitment to representing the interests of his constituents and navigating a peaceful path toward justice and freedom.
“As your representative, I bear the responsibility of choosing the best path to our cherished freedom and leading you along it,” he said.
“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.”
0 Comments