FENRAD calls for immediate reopening of Onitsha Markets, political solutions to ‘Sit-at-Home’ crisis

Nkem Ukaegbu, Umuahia

Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has strongly condemned the continued shutdown of Onitsha and its major markets under the guise of enforcing the sit-at-home order.

According to the Executive Director, FENRAD, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the action represents a gross abuse of executive power, economic strangulation of the people, and a dangerous criminalization of dissenting voices.

FENRAD observed with deep concern that the closure of Onitsha, one of the largest commercial hubs in West Africa, has inflicted severe hardship on traders, artisans, transport workers, and daily wage earners who depend on the city’s vibrant economic activities for survival.

The enforcement approach adopted by authorities amounts to collective punishment and undermines citizens’ fundamental rights to livelihood, movement, and peaceful expression.
We unequivocally decry what can only be described as executive rascality—the use of coercive state power without proportionality, transparency, or regard for human rights.

Shutting down an entire city and its markets is neither a lawful nor sustainable response to civil disobedience.

Rather, it escalates fear, deepens mistrust, and further destabilizes an already fragile socio-economic environment.

FENRAD further urged the Southeast Governors’ Forum to rise to its constitutional and moral responsibility by addressing the root causes of the persistent sit-at-home crisis.

“We emphasize the urgent need for political, not militarized, solutions, including sustained dialogue and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders,” he stated.

FENRAD calls on the Southeast Governors to collectively pursue political and legal pathways for the resolution of issues surrounding the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which remains a central grievance fueling unrest in the region.

Addressing the matter through lawful political processes is critical to restoring peace, rebuilding trust, and normalizing socio-economic life across the Southeast.

FENRAD warned against the growing trend of labeling dissenting opinions and civil resistance as criminal acts.

A democratic society must protect freedom of expression and constructive dissent, not suppress them through intimidation and economic repression.

Criminalizing dissent sets a dangerous precedent that threatens democratic values and the rule of law.

Accordingly, FENRAD calls for: the immediate reopening of all markets and commercial activities in Onitsha; an end to the use of collective punishment as a tool of governance; urgent political engagement by Southeast Governors to resolve the sit-at-home crisis, including addressing the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Respect for citizens’ fundamental human and economic rights; and genuine dialogue and non-coercive engagement to address underlying security and political concerns.

We urged the Anambra State Government, the Southeast Governors, and relevant security agencies to act with restraint, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. Sustainable peace and security can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue, justice, and the protection of livelihoods—not through force and repression.

FENRAD remained committed to defending environmental rights, human rights, and democratic freedoms, and will continue to speak out against policies and actions that undermine the well-being and rights of the people.