The Igbo man is known for his versatility in all walks of life, which is why he thrives in nations across the globe, regardless of the hostility he faces from his host state or country. Trading in commodities is an area where he remains indomitable, even without formal education.

His ability to expand his trading reach and achieve what an ordinary salaried worker cannot accomplish in five years is the reason he is envied. He has endured unfair attacks that have led to loss of life and property, a victim of what’s loosely termed as “bad Belle,” which cannot be justified by racial hatred or tribal sentiments.

However, it has reached a point where any government wanting to formulate policies views Igbo traders as experimental victims of bad policies. If this victimization of Igbo traders is seen only outside Igboland, we could classify it as a typical case of “bad Belle.” This trend is also observed in BIAFRAland where they should feel at home.

The events in the states of Biafra land should not be dismissed as child’s play. The Anambra state government recently targeted traders in the popular Onitsha market, locking up shops of those who obediently observed a two-week civil demonstration in sympathy with Mazi NNAMDI Kanu, a freedom fighter unjustly detained by the Nigerian government’s security, the DSS.

If this civil demonstration is not sufficient to raise questions about the unjust detention of a freedom fighter, then government stakeholders should cease functioning since their purpose is to protect their subjects. When the government ignores the cries of its citizens and punishes them for violating orders, it leans towards autocracy rather than democracy. Many Onitsha Igbo traders suffered injuries, and there were reports of fatalities.

We are still mourning the harsh policies of the Anambra government led by Governor Soludo, policies that breed animosity between him and his people. Just the other day, he introduced another bitter policy tagged “NOTICE TO ALL TRADERS TO PARTICIPATE IN WEEKLY MARKET SANITATION DAY EVERY MONDAY.”

One might wonder what the Governor aims to achieve with this policy enforced through the state’s Ministry of Trade and Industry. The answer is not far-fetched – it’s an attempt to subdue Igbo traders who, for various reasons, might be unwilling to comply.

The Monday sit-at-home civil demonstration is a well-received exercise and is reasonable enough to push for the release of their beloved brother, MNK. For Igbo youths who prioritize obeying Mazi Simon Ekpa over others, whether it’s Mazi NNAMDI KANU’s day, Sanitation day, or any other uncalled-for day, it holds no significance. The Igbo traders, who comprise the majority of Igbo youths, are willing to face death pronouncements rather than disobey the sit-at-home directive.

The reasons behind the actions of the Governors of Imo state, Anambra state, and Enugu State, disturbing the peace with unnecessary demands like Monday sanitation day, go beyond what we might think – it could be to propagate the Fulanization of the Igbo land agenda.

Is it not fair to consider that the economic downturn of Nigeria isn’t caused by the sit-at-home actions but by leadership failures? Bad roads, inflation, unqualified governance – these existed prior to the sit-at-home demonstrations. So why single out the traders as the cause of economic downfall? Are they the only ones responsible for boosting Nigeria’s economy?

A recent finding by Comrade Sunny Akparawa states, “Nigerian Senators receive N13.5 Million monthly apart from salaries.” Isn’t this enough to justify the saying, “monkey de work, baboon de chop?” Traders were denied jobs in the past. Now that they’re self-employed, wouldn’t it be wise to let them exercise their expertise without interference?

Enough of these Fulani-orchestrated policies that only bring sorrow and pain to the people of Biafra.