IPOB Accuses Soludo Of Plot To Undermine Biafra Movement

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo of plotting to undermine what it described as the group’s peaceful struggle for self-determination, following the governor’s recent comments on the Monday sit-at-home observed in parts of the South-East.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB condemned Soludo’s reported threat to revoke market ownership and rebuild markets as a punitive response to traders who continue to close their shops on Mondays in solidarity with the group’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB described the governor’s remarks as “outrageous and provocative,” alleging that they form part of a wider agenda coordinated from Abuja to weaken the Biafra agitation from within. The group claimed the comments were designed to create instability in Anambra State and the wider Igboland region.

“Soludo’s reckless threats unmask a carefully scripted, malevolent agenda aimed at sabotaging the Biafra restoration movement under the watchful eyes of the international community,” the statement said.

IPOB further alleged that the governor’s actions mirrored the conduct of past political figures it accused of betraying Biafran interests during and after the Nigerian civil war.

Questioning the timing of the governor’s remarks, IPOB pointed to Soludo’s earlier acknowledgement that markets operated on Mondays during the Christmas period without incident. According to the group, this admission undermines claims that traders observe the sit-at-home out of fear or intimidation.

“The governor himself admitted that markets flourished on Mondays during the Christmas shopping season, completely debunking the narrative that people are acting out of fear,” IPOB said.

“The Monday sit-at-home is a voluntary and peaceful act of civil disobedience by traders demanding the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, “ the group said.

The group argued that the sit-at-home protest has been misrepresented by government authorities and sections of the media, insisting that it is a legitimate form of political expression rather than a product of coercion.

IPOB also linked Soludo’s comments to what it described as increased international attention on the Biafra issue and Kanu’s growing global profile. It claimed that the governor’s stance was intended to provoke confrontation and derail its diplomatic efforts abroad.

“This escalation is not about sit-at-home alone,” the statement said. “It is part of a broader conspiracy involving government houses across Igboland to halt the momentum of Biafra restoration.”

The group further alleged that the Nigerian government is engaging foreign lobbying firms in the United States to portray the South-East as unstable, with the aim of discouraging international support for Biafra’s self-determination bid. IPOB warned its supporters to remain cautious in their actions to avoid being portrayed as violent.

Describing Soludo’s actions as a betrayal, IPOB said the governor’s approach to traders in Anambra State was unprecedented, adding that similar measures would not be taken by governors in other regions of the country against their own people.

It also warned against what it called “false flag operations, media manipulation, and provocations” aimed at justifying further repression in the South-East.

IPOB called on its members and supporters to remain peaceful and disciplined, reiterating its commitment to non-violent resistance. The group appealed to the international community, human rights organisations, and concerned Nigerians to hold the Anambra State governor accountable for statements it said could endanger lives and livelihoods.

“Our path to freedom through a referendum remains steadfast,” the statement said, adding that the group believes the quest for Biafra’s self-determination is inevitable.