Soludo’s Shop Opening Push in Onitsha Market Met with Backlash: ‘He’s Not an Emperor’ – Iche
...Sparks Debate on Freedom and Governance
Soludo’s Shop Opening Push in Onitsha Market Met with Backlash: ‘He’s Not an Emperor’ – Iche
…Sparks Debate on Freedom and Governance
By Naomi Onome
The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, recently stirred controversy with a visit to the Onitsha market, urging traders to open their shops on Mondays despite a long-standing sit-at-home tradition observed across Southeast Nigeria. The move has sparked a heated debate, with critics questioning Soludo’s approach to governance and others defending his right to promote economic activity.
Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, a human rights advocate and president of Ambassadors of Peace and Enlightenment Foundation ‘AMPEF’, aka Voice of the Voiceless Media, reiterated that the governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, recently visited the Onitsha market and urged traders to open their shops on Mondays, defying a long-standing sit-at-home tradition observed across Southeast Nigeria.
Iche noted that the tradition, which has been ongoing for almost two years, is a protest against the detention of a prominent Southeast leader, Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government. Critics argue that Iche’s actions are an overreach of his authority and an attempt to impose his will on the people.
He said the sit-at-home tradition has not been accompanied by violence or unrest, with people simply choosing to stay home and engage in personal activities. Many see Soludo’s actions as an attempt to suppress the people’s right to peaceful protest and expression. The governor’s comments, including a threat to close the market for a year, have been widely criticised as authoritarian and out of touch with democratic principles.
Comrade Iche argues that Soludo should respect the people’s decision to observe the sit-at-home and focus on governance issues rather than trying to control private businesses. The governor’s actions, he says, are seen as a sign of his lack of understanding of governance and his disconnection from the people he serves. The controversy highlights concerns about Soludo’s leadership style and his willingness to disregard the rights of citizens in the name of economic progress, Iche added.
The public debate has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the sit-at-home tradition and whether it is achieving its intended goals. While some argue that it is a necessary form of protest, others see it as an outdated and ineffective strategy. The controversy is likely to continue, with Soludo facing opposition from those who believe he is overstepping his authority and disregarding the will of the people, Iche said.
