By Abdullateef Bambgose
The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Monitoring and Evaluation of House Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, Hon. Obi Aguocha has called on the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukuwma Charles Soludo to exercise caution in a move to halt the Monday Sit-at–Home in the state.
Hon Aguocha who represents
Ikwuano/Umuahia North/ Umuahia South Federal House Constituency of Abia State said his effort and others notable people in tackling the crisis in the South East was gradually returning normalcy peace to the region until the recent moves by the Anambra Governor, Soludo.
in a statement on Wednesday, Aguocha said “Governor Soludo, unfortunately, has unleashed army on silent agitators who, for so long, had helped to abate the significance of the Monday sit-at-home rituals.
“Over the last three years, many markets, plazas, and shopping centres across the South-East have gradually returned to normalcy, operating freely and unencumbered.
I” have worked tirelessly in this direction, and peace was steadily returning to our rural and commercial trading centres.
“The Governor’s well-intentioned effort to end the sit-at-home has, however, been executed in the most unconstructive and unacceptable manner. These misguided ordinances and actions have reignited embers of fear, hardened resistance, and resurrected old resentments which, if left unchecked, could plunge us into uncharted waters of renewed violence, serious crimes, and widespread criminality across the South-East.
“Governor Soludo cannot force, punish, or compel private business owners to close or open their shops, or to trade or refrain from trading. Would the Governor also invoke the same punitive measures against those who choose to close their shops early on Wednesdays to attend mid-week religious services? Such decisions fall squarely within their fundamental rights and are not governed by any state, labour or market-union relationship.
“Furthermore, until the Nigerian state genuinely and sincerely addresses the unjust detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the bias within the administration of criminal justice in Nigeria, the ongoing Christian genocide, the marginalisation and entrenched hostility against the Igbo people, and the root causes of youth agitation, we must brace ourselves for an unfortunate vicious cycle of resentment.”
He said If nothing urgent is done, no one should expect votes from the region on the basis of being coerced, manipulated, or compelled. Adding that “Our votes will count. We will defend them, even at the cost of our lives.”
Aguocha said as a Member of House of Representatives, he has the responsibility of choosing the best path to the cherished freedom.
He pledged to discharge this responsibility with every measure of strength and wisdom at his disposal—guided by hope, concerns, and sustained prayers of the people.
He urged all the people in the region to remain calm and not engage in the destruction of lives and property.
He warned that “Enough is enough”
Recall that Solido’s decision to halt the Monday sit at home in the state by closing markets and plazas that failed to comply with his order has resulted to protest in the state on Tuesday.
