The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a frontline human rights organisation, has strongly condemned the continued shutdown of Onitsha and its major markets under the pretext of enforcing the sit-at-home order, describing the action as an abuse of executive power and an unjust economic strangulation of the people.
In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD expressed deep concern over the severe hardship the closure has imposed on traders, artisans, transport workers, and daily wage earners who depend on Onitsha’s commercial activities for survival. The organisation noted that the approach adopted by authorities amounts to collective punishment and violates citizens’ fundamental rights to livelihood, movement, and peaceful expression.
FENRAD criticised what it described as “executive rascality,” warning that the use of coercive state power without proportionality, transparency, or respect for human rights is neither lawful nor sustainable.
According to the group, shutting down an entire city and its markets only escalates fear, deepens mistrust, and further destabilises the socio-economic environment of the region.
The organisation urged the Southeast Governors’ Forum to address the root causes of the persistent sit-at-home crisis through political rather than militarised solutions. It stressed the need for sustained dialogue and constructive engagement with relevant stakeholders to restore peace and stability in the region.
FENRAD also called on Southeast governors to explore political and legal pathways to resolve issues surrounding the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which it described as a key factor fuelling unrest in the Southeast. The group argued that addressing the matter through lawful political processes is essential to rebuilding trust and normalising socio-economic life.
Warning against the growing trend of criminalising dissent, FENRAD maintained that a democratic society must protect freedom of expression and constructive dissent rather than suppress them through intimidation and economic repression. It cautioned that criminalising dissent poses a serious threat to democratic values and the rule of law.
Consequently, FENRAD called for the immediate reopening of all markets and commercial activities in Onitsha, an end to collective punishment as a governance tool, urgent political engagement by Southeast governors to resolve the sit-at-home crisis, respect for citizens’ fundamental human and economic rights, and genuine dialogue to address underlying security and political concerns.
The organisation further urged the Anambra State Government, Southeast governors, and security agencies to act with restraint, responsibility, and respect for human dignity, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue, justice, and the protection of livelihoods.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to defending environmental rights, human rights, and democratic freedoms, pledging to continue speaking out against policies and actions that undermine the well-being and rights of the people.
