In light of the ongoing events concerning the enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the South East Region, which is the heartland of the Igbo Nation called Ala-Igbo leading to criminally minded individuals unleashing mayhem on the vulnerable, civilian Igbo Biafrans, the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists, Advocates for Ala-Igbo self-determination, and the Indigenous People of Igbo Nation would like to address the issue and provide proper context. We, as representatives of the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists, Advocates for Ala-Igbo self-determination, and the Indigenous People of the Igbo Nation, endorse any voluntary participation in sit-at-home actions aimed at achieving a legitimate aim(s). We recognize its significance as a form of peaceful protest and expressing discontent. However, we strongly condemn the forceful enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the South East Region.
Sit-at-home is a practical, effective, legitimate, and democratic civil disobedience tool that has historically been used to address oppressive governments and dictatorial political regimes. It serves to express collective, people-oriented grievances, claims, and concerns. Its effectiveness lies in its voluntary and unforced nature. However, any attempt to enforce it through violence is criminal, infringing individual and group human rights entitlements.
Those involved in the sponsorship and enforcement of sit-at-home through violent means both at home and in the diaspora are engaging in criminal behaviour, are criminals and should be treated as such. The safety and well-being of the innocent, unarmed, and vulnerable Igbo civilian population must be protected, and those responsible for violence and threats should be held accountable. Diplomatic initiatives must be actioned, and countries’ diplomatic missions in Nigeria must be engaged to weigh in on those elements residing in their countries to sponsor violence against the civilian population. Failure to hold them accountable must lead to severing ties with such countries if Nigeria is serious about protecting the civilian population in general and in Ala-Igbo in particular.
Furthermore, we strongly advise the legitimate authorities within the jurisdiction of Ala-Igbo to acknowledge the reality that sit-at-home actions cannot be stopped by issuing counter orders. Attempts to suppress these actions only create an atmosphere of insecurity and fear, ultimately promoting the insecurity they seek to prevent. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring the security of the people and addressing the criminal elements behind the enforcement of sit-at-home.
Political leaders in the South East, Ala-Igbo, are responsible for providing security for individuals who wish to move freely without fear of violence. They must take action against those criminal elements who enforce sit-at-home and endanger the lives of innocent Igbo civilians. If individuals choose to participate in sit-at-home, it should be their decision, free from sanction. Otherwise, the authorities will continue to lose control of the territory to the criminal enforcers.
In conclusion, the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists, Advocates for Ala-Igbo self-determination, and the Indigenous People of the Igbo Nation reiterate their support for voluntary sit-at-home actions with legitimate aims while strongly denouncing any form of violent enforcement. We call upon the legitimate authorities to prioritize the safety of the people and take decisive action against those responsible for criminal activities, and at the same, ultimately take responsibility for a peaceful resolution to any legitimate grievances and concerns being expressed by the ordinary masses.
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