Emma Elekwa
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has described as ill-considered and unhelpful decision by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to declare a further region-wide sit-at-home.
Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma who stated this in a statement called for de-escalation, dialogue, and protection of economic and civic freedoms in the Southeast.
The group had earlier condemned the threats and punitive measures issued by the Anambra State Government against traders who complied with sit-at-home orders.
It described the approach as counter-productive, capable of worsening fear, mistrust, and economic hardship, rather than addressing the underlying causes of agitation linked to the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The statement reads, “The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has followed with concern the recent developments surrounding the closure of the Onitsha Main Market, the response of the Anambra State Government, and the declaration of a fresh sit-at-home order across the South-East by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Earlier condemnation
“RULAAC recalls that in an earlier statement, it condemned the threats and punitive measures issued by the Anambra State Government against traders who complied with sit-at-home orders.
“We described that approach as counterproductive, capable of worsening fear, mistrust, and economic hardship, rather than addressing the underlying causes of agitation linked to the continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“We therefore welcomed indications that the Anambra State Government has since engaged traders and other stakeholders in dialogue.
“Dialogue remains the only sustainable pathway to restoring normalcy, rebuilding trust, and protecting livelihoods.
“RULAAC recognises the deep grievances, emotions, and sense of injustice that continue to fuel agitation in the South-East.
“However, the decision by IPOB to declare a further region-wide sit-at-home is ill-considered and unhelpful.
“At this critical moment, what is urgently needed is de-escalation, restraint, and cooperation—not actions that further constrict civic space and deepen economic suffering for already vulnerable communities.
“Experience has repeatedly shown that sit-at-home actions severely undermine economic rights and livelihoods, especially of traders, transport workers, artisans, and informal sector workers; shrink civic and democratic space by normalising fear and forced compliance; and ultimately weaken, rather than advance, legitimate demands for justice and accountability.
Fear-induced sit-at-home action
“Even where framed as “voluntary,” sit-at-home actions occur within a context of widespread fear, past violence, and coercion, making genuine voluntariness difficult to sustain in practice.
“RULAAC is equally concerned that state responses driven by threats, closures, and collective punishment risk escalating tensions and alienating citizens.
“Shutting markets, threatening revocation of shop allocations, or framing traders as adversaries does not resolve insecurity or political grievances—it penalizes victims of an already volatile situation.
“Both state authorities and non-state actors must prioritize the economic and civic freedoms of the people of the South-East, who bear the heaviest cost of these confrontations.
“RULAAC therefore calls for Immediate de-escalation by all actors, including IPOB and state authorities; Sustained dialogue involving government, traders’ associations, community leaders, civil society, and other relevant stakeholders;
“We also call for protection of economic activities and civic freedoms, including the right to work, trade, move freely, and participate in public life without fear;
“An end to punitive, coercive, or retaliatory measures against traders and communities; and broader commitment to lawful, peaceful, and rights-respecting approaches to addressing political grievances and insecurity in the South-East.
“The people of the South-East deserve peace, dignity, livelihoods, and open civic space—not perpetual lockdowns, fear, or economic paralysis.
“Dialogue, restraint, and respect for rights remain the only viable path forward.”
