By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Umuahia, Abia State — The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD) has strongly condemned the continued closure of Onitsha and its major markets, describing the action as an abuse of executive power and a violation of citizens’ fundamental rights.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, the frontline human rights organization decried what it termed “executive rascality” in the enforcement of sit-at-home orders, warning that the shutdown of one of West Africa’s largest commercial cities has plunged thousands of traders, transport workers, artisans, and daily income earners into economic distress.
FENRAD noted that Onitsha’s role as a major commercial hub makes the prolonged market closure particularly devastating, stressing that the approach adopted by authorities amounts to collective punishment rather than lawful governance.
According to the organization, shutting down an entire city in the name of enforcing compliance undermines citizens’ rights to livelihood, freedom of movement, and peaceful expression, while worsening fear and mistrust within the region.
The group also criticized the growing tendency to criminalize dissenting voices, warning that labeling civil resistance and opposing opinions as criminal acts poses a serious threat to democratic values and the rule of law.
FENRAD urged the Southeast Governors’ Forum to assume greater constitutional and moral responsibility by pursuing political — rather than militarized — solutions to the sit-at-home crisis. The organization emphasized the need for sustained dialogue and engagement with relevant stakeholders as a pathway to restoring stability.
In its statement, FENRAD identified the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu as a central grievance contributing to unrest in the Southeast, calling on governors in the region to explore lawful political and legal mechanisms capable of addressing the issue and easing tensions.
The rights group warned that continued reliance on force and economic repression would only deepen instability and prolong hardship for ordinary citizens whose survival depends on daily commercial activities.
As part of its demands, FENRAD called for the immediate reopening of all markets and commercial activities in Onitsha, an end to collective punishment as a governance tool, respect for citizens’ economic and human rights, and genuine non-coercive dialogue to address underlying political and security concerns.
The organization urged the Anambra State Government, Southeast governors, and security agencies to exercise restraint and prioritize human dignity, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through justice, inclusion, and protection of livelihoods.
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to defending environmental rights, human rights, and democratic freedoms, pledging to continue speaking out against policies that undermine the welfare of the people.
The statement was signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy & Development (FENRAD).
Newspot Nigeria reports that the continued sit-at-home enforcement and market shutdowns have remained a major socio-economic concern across parts of the Southeast, with growing calls for political engagement over coercive measures.
