Kanu, Enugu Govt. want sit-at-home to end in S’East

Enugu State Government has taken a tough stance against the ongoing Monday sit-at-home in the southeast region, initiated by the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa.

The protest, which aims to assert the group’s demands, has garnered mixed reactions from various stakeholders, including Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB.

In an unexpected move, Nnamdi Kanu, through his lead counsel, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has urged those behind the sit-at-home exercise to halt the practice. He expressed his disapproval of the protest, emphasizing that he could not support a movement that simultaneously fights for the people while causing economic disruptions through the closure of businesses.

Kanu cited the adverse impact of the sit-at-home exercise on the social, economic, cultural, and political life of the people in the region. He lamented that the protest subjected the Igbo community to psychological, physical, and mental torment.

In response to the sit-at-home order, the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, took decisive action by closing down several shops and businesses that adhered to the Monday sit-at-home order. The Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) closed at least 106 shops and two banks, alleging compliance with the protest initiated by Simon Ekpa.

The government had previously issued a warning, stating its intention to seal any business that adhered to the sit-at-home order, describing it as illegal. Governor Mbah vowed to impose strict penalties on violators, and it appears he is now following through on that promise.

In the wake of the closures, the Enugu State Government announced that the sealed businesses would remain shut for one week. The affected shop owners will have to produce tax clearance certificates and other relevant documents before being considered for reopening.

The government further praised civil society organizations and residents who demonstrated peacefully against the sit-at-home orders. The protest had led to peaceful demonstrations in the capital city.

The situation in the southeast region remains tense, with differing views on the effectiveness and impact of the Monday sit-at-home protests. While Nnamdi Kanu has disavowed the movement, the Enugu State Government has taken a stern stance against it.

Authorities are closely monitoring the developments, and stakeholders continue to engage in dialogue to find a resolution to the ongoing crisis.