Soludo’s VP ambition drives offensive against IPOB, sit-at-home, says lawyer

By Vivian Okejeme Abuja

A public policy analyst and lawyer, Barrister Christopher Chidera, has alleged that Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, is positioning himself for a future vice-presidential ambition through his recent actions against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the enforcement against sit-at-home directives in the South-East.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Chidera claimed that the sit-at-home observed in Anambra State following calls linked to IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, recorded widespread compliance across the state.

According to him, commercial and public activities were largely shut down, with banks, schools, offices and markets not operating in many areas.

He said this assessment was based on reports and visual materials published by several media organisations, arguing that the level of compliance contradicted the state government’s later claims that normal activities had resumed.

He referenced the governor’s visit to a market later in the day, describing it as a response to public perception surrounding the sit-at-home rather than evidence of widespread economic activity.

According to Chidera, the timing of the visit raised questions, as it occurred hours after the sit-at-home had already taken effect across the state.

He further stated that if markets had been fully operational, government officials would have engaged traders earlier in the day during peak business hours.

Chidera also questioned the optics of the visit, suggesting that the interaction did not reflect typical market activity, where traders would ordinarily prioritise their businesses.

Chidera maintained that the sit-at-home significantly affected not only Anambra State but also other parts of the South-East, resulting in a slowdown of economic and social activities across the region.

He described the development as a challenge to the state government’s narrative on restoring normalcy.

In his commentary, the lawyer linked the governor’s public posture on IPOB and sit-at-home enforcement to broader national political calculations, alleging that Soludo’s actions may be influenced by long-term ambitions beyond Anambra State.

He claimed that the governor’s approach prioritised public messaging over transparent engagement with the realities on ground.

The Anambra State Government has repeatedly maintained that it is committed to restoring security, protecting economic activities and ensuring that residents go about their lawful businesses without fear.

Officials have also stated that measures taken against sit-at-home orders are in the interest of the state’s economy and public safety.