The Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), Ogechukwu Nkere, on Friday condemned the decision of Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to shut down the Onitsha Main Market and threaten its permanent closure.

Nkere’s reaction followed Governor Soludo’s announcement of a one-week shutdown of the market over the continued observance of Monday sit-at-home by traders. The decision sparked protests by traders, which degenerated into chaos in parts of the state. In a subsequent speech, the governor warned that the market could be closed indefinitely if the situation persisted, a move that has drawn widespread criticism in recent days.

In a statement issued on Friday, Nkere, who was recently elected to replace Simon Ekpa following Ekpa’s sentencing in Finland, described Soludo’s actions as unjust and targeted at innocent traders.

He said the BRGIE faulted what he described as threats against traders, including alleged plans to demolish shops and markets in Onitsha.

According to him, traders in Onitsha have the right to freedom of expression, including the voluntary choice to observe sit-at-home actions in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu and to express opposition to what he termed Nigeria’s oppression.

Nkere maintained that the sit-at-home actions were undertaken by the traders of their own free will, insisting that neither the BRGIE nor its affiliates coerced or compelled anyone to participate in the protests.

He further drew parallels with historical examples of civil disobedience, citing India’s independence struggle under Mahatma Gandhi, which involved peaceful resistance, economic boycotts, and non-compliance.

"Charles Soludo, whom the Biafra Republic Government in Exile considers an illegitimate governor, should not be targeting innocent Onitsha traders, including threatening to demolish their shops and markets. Onitsha traders have the right to freedom of expression, including the voluntary decision to observe sit-at-home actions in solidarity with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and to express their displeasure towards Nigeria’s oppression.

"These actions are undertaken entirely of the Onitsha traders' own volition. The BRGIE and its affiliates in the homeland did not coerce or compel traders in any way to engage in sit-at-home protests. " There is historical precedence where people have achieved independence through civil disobedience, such as when Mahatma Gandhi and the people of India achieved independence from Great Britain through peaceful disobedience, which included social and economic boycotts and non-compliance.”

Governor Soludo’s government has yet to formally respond to Nkere’s statement as tensions surrounding the Onitsha Main Market shutdown continue to stir debate across Anambra State.