The pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State chapter, on Sunday, declared total support to the cancellation of sit-at-home by the State government.
The weekly sit-at-home was enforced by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, led by Finland-based Simon Ekpa, who styled himself as the Biafran Prime Minister.
The group is imposing sit-at-home as a way of calling for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu who is being detained by Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS).
But in a statement signed by Enugu State branch president of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. Fred O. Eze, and made available to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, the group applauded the courage of the State Governor, Barr Peter Mbah in taking the bold step to put an end to “the scourge of sit-at-home in Enugu state”
Ohanaeze recalled that before the cancellation by the government, Enugu State became overwhelmed by a climate of fear such that people could not go about their businesses with confidence.
“In Enugu State, every Monday became an unofficial holiday as businesses and other social activities usually came to a halt.
“Thus, the continued observance of the sit-at-home order had a significant negative impact on the economy of Enugu State.
“Businesses were rapidly closing down, while others were relocating away from the State leading to the loss of foreign direct investment and massive capital flight.
Thus, the action by the Enugu State Government could not have come at a better time. That Governor Peter Mbah also called for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and has triggered steps to get the Federal Government to release Kanu is indicative that the Governor understands the core issues at stake.
“The sit-at-home order is self-immolating and has disrupted all productive assets and resources in the state since its introduction and enforcement.”
