The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State has condemned the closure of Orlu timber market in Orlu LGA of the state by the Hope Uzodinma-led government, describing it as a way of agonizing and suffocating the people.

Otherwise, now known as King Hope Uzodinma, has continued to wage war on people in his state not supporting him and the Presidency, sources said.

The opposition party, through its Director General of New Media, Collins Opuruzor, accused Governor Uzodinma of playing anti-Igbo politics to the detriment of the people he is leading.

“It is on record that Uzodinma has openly taken credit for the ongoing security situation in Imo State. He was bold to say that he personally invited Nigerian soldiers to militarize the state. Which other governor does that?

“While Uzodinma has adopted a militaristic approach in dispossession of the people and destruction of their livelihoods in Orlu, let him be aware that Imo is just an entity of 5.7million people.

“Uzodinma should also be aware that the biggest business in Imo State, especially in Owerri, is the hospitality industry. Before he brings the state down and gets everyone on their knees, let him launch a holistic action on job creation.

“Asking the Nigerian Army to take over Orlu and Imo State to cause mayhem and unrest is never the best approach to checking crime. He should desist from such acts or the people will revolt just as they are doing now,” he said.

What Happened

On Tuesday, 28th July, Soldiers prevented traders at the Timber and Building Materials markets in Orlu, Imo State, to open for the day’s business.

Most of the traders in the two markets had on Monday refused to open their shops in solidarity with the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing terrorism-related charges at the Federal High court in Abuja.

The soldiers, who were manning a checkpoint close to the two big markets in Orlu, barred the traders from opening their shops for any commercial activity. To assist, the soldiers also ordered gatemen at the entrances of the two big markets not to open the gates.

While the military continued with their stop and search duty in front of the two markets, traders who came as early as 7am met the entrance gates of the two markets under lock and key.

One of the traders told The PUNCH that he was unable to access his shop on Tuesday when he came for the day’s engagement.

The trader, who didn’t want his identity revealed, said, “Yesterday, almost everybody didn’t open for business in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu. As we came today, soldiers prevented us from opening the two markets. We didn’t even get into the markets because the gates to the building materials and Timber Market were under lock and key. The soldiers told us that we won’t be allowed to open shop till further notice.”

The chairman of markets, Emmanuel Ibegbulem, who confirmed the development in a telephone conversation, said that he was on his way to the state ministry of commerce and industry.

The spokesperson for the 34 Artillery Brigade Command, Obinze Owerri, Babatude Zubiruo, when contacted, said that he was not aware of the development.

Nnamdi Kanu is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony brought against him by the federal government over his campaign for the Republic of Biafra.

He was released in April 2017 on health grounds but jumped bail after flouting some of the conditions given to him by the court.

Kanu was re-arraigned before Binta Nyako of the federal high court in Abuja on June 29 after being intercepted and extradited to Nigeria. His trial was adjourned till July 26 for a hearing.

The trial has now been adjourned till October 21, owing to the failure of the federal government to produce him in court on Monday.

Later, the Timber Marketers protested the shutting down of their market by Soldiers. The protested along the Owerri-Orlu road when they discovered that the road leading to the market has been barricaded by soldiers.

They demanded the soldiers open the road block for them to start their business.