metro
By Benprince Ezeh
THE sit-at-home order in the southeast was partially observed today in some states as business activities are gradually returning to normal. But some residents believe that it may take a little longer for normal economic and social activities to return fully, while classes will hold in schools every Monday.
The exercise, which has been in place for several months, was first imposed in the zone by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. The imposition of the sit-at-home order has been criticized by the state governors and many stakeholders from the zone, describing it as ‘anti-economic and anti-people and called on the people to go back to their businesses on Monday.
Realnews gathered that in Onitsha in Anambra state, economic and social activities were totally absent as most people stayed indoors, despite the assurances of C. Don Adinuba, Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, that full economic activities in the state should resume as IPOB had long rescinded its decision to ground the South-East zone.
In Awka, a public servant told Realnews that there were movements and people went about their business. “I went to an auto shop to fix my car and all the shops were open.
“Even my wife that works at the ministry went to work today and everyone came. Many businesses were open and nothing like sit at home was observed,” he said.
In Enugu, businesses went on in some areas, but traders at Ogbete, Mayor and New Markets said the absence of many customers led to poor sales.
Realnews reports that except banks on Old Market Road and Ogui Road, banks on Independence Layout, New Heaven, Achara Layout, and Agbani Road opened for business for third consecutive weeks.
Traders and mechanics were seen coming in and going out with various spare parts at Coal Camp, while a few trucks were seen at Kenyatta loading and offloading building materials.
Kingsley Enenta, a textile trader, said: “We have been out here since 8:30 am and I have been here for hours, I have had little or no customer.
“I think our people are yet to appreciate the fact that nobody is harming anyone anymore. They should come out because we can’t continue like this.
“I believe it’s a gradual process before many people will realize that there’s no more sit-at-home on Mondays,” he said.
Chinenye Chika, a resident of Aba in Abia state said that the markets were opened, but people didn’t turn up.
“The markets were opened unlike other weeks, but there was low turnout. Maybe people are still afraid of what would happen and decided to stay at home for their safety,” she said.
In Imo, Malachy Uzor said that the sit at home was no longer as serious as before.
“People are already coming out. Most people are out today and there is nothing special that is happening.
“The order had been suspended by the pro-Biafra agitators weeks ago, most people have continued to observe the order largely due to fear of being attacked by hoodlums,” he said.
IPOB had earlier declared the sit-at-home order every Monday to press for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial for treasonable offense. But the order had since been revoked by IPOB.
Tags: Benprince Ezeh C. Don Adinuba IPOB sit-at-home
