A prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Mr Joe Igbokwe, has raised alarm over the escalating crisis in Anambra State, alleging that some residents of the state may be sponsoring criminal activities in the South-East region.
Igbokwe’s accusation followed heightened tension in Onitsha since Governor Charles Soludo ordered the indefinite closure of the main market for observing the Monday sit-at-home directive issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra.
The shutdown, which has sparked violent clashes between protesting traders and security operatives enforcing the government’s directive, has continued to generate controversy across the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the APC stalwart expressed concern that the unfolding events suggest complicity by some indigenes in the wave of insecurity plaguing the South-East zone.
“It is beginning to appear as though Anambra people are sheltering bandits, endorsing their activities in the South-East, and bankrolling their murderous operations and criminal enterprises in the region,” Igbokwe stated.
He noted that Governor Soludo had drawn a clear line by presenting market leaders with an ultimatum: resume business activities on Mondays or face a one-week closure.
“This is the situation we now find ourselves in a state that has traditionally been the economic hub of the South-East. We are all observing how this drama unfolds. However, this is a battle the sponsors of chaos cannot win. Perhaps the market leadership believes they are above the law,” he added.
Igbokwe further alleged that the actions of the market leaders indicate their allegiance to IPOB, describing them as “commanders and financiers” of the separatist group through their conduct.
The crisis has thrown Onitsha, one of West Africa’s largest commercial centres, into disarray, with traders lamenting huge losses while the state government remains resolute in its stance against compliance with illegal sit-at-home orders.