Schools, major transport companies, traders and banks did not open for operations in Enugu and its environs on Monday despite last week’s cancellation of the order by the state government.
Sit-at-home has been observed in South-East
states since 2021 following the rendition of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the
Indigenous People of Biafra, from Kenya to Nigeria. He is being detained at the
custody of the Department of State Services in Abuja, and charged with running
a proscribed group, jumping bail and treason. Despite court orders and UN
Opinion group’s advice for Kanu’s release, former president Muhammed Buhari
failed to release him.
Sit-at-home was declared by IPOB to press the
release of Kanu. Despite its cancellation by the mainstream of IPOB, a splinter
group of IPOB led by Finland-based immigration lawyer, Simon Ekpa, insisted
that it be observed on Mondays. Mondays have also witnessed crimes in the
region, forcing residents to remain indoors on Mondays.
Enugu governor Peter Mba last week hosted
traditional rulers, religious leaders, traders, civil servants, security
agencies, among others, where he urged them to begin business on Mondays.
According to him, observing sit-at-home on Mondays was antithetical to his
administration’s drive to grow the state’s gross domestic products.
A school proprietor at Trans-Ekulu, Enugu,
said, “We closed today because safety is priority. Once there is progress
towards providing adequate security, we shall delightfully resume academic
activities on Mondays.”
At the state secretariat, it was the same
story as not many workers showed up for business. Ikechukwu Eze, who was seen
around the premises, said, “It will take time for workers to work on Mondays.
The cost of transportation is another factor. There is no money.”
A trader at Ogbete Main Market, Enugu, told
our correspondent that, “No business today as far as I’m concerned. I use today
to play football. Let our governors seek the release of Kanu. Any other thing
is treating the symptoms.”
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