The state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it is fully behind the Enugu State Government in its efforts to end the sit-at-home exercise in the state, insisting that the protest has outlived its usefulness.
The Enugu State chapter of the Igbo apex socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide on Sunday, supported recent moves to end sit-at-home protests in southeast Nigeria and Enugu state in particular.
The state chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo said it is fully behind the Enugu State Government in its efforts to end the sit-at-home exercise in the state, insisting that the protest has outlived its usefulness.
SaharaReporters had reported that a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), led by a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, who styled himself as the Biafran Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government in Exile, has been enforcing sit-at-home protest on Mondays, which IPOB head of Directorate of State (DoS), Chika Edoziem had since cancelled.
Ekpa had insisted on the sit-at-home as a way of calling for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu who has been detained by Nigeria’s secret police Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021.
But Ohanaeze in a statement on Sunday signed by its Enugu President, Professor Fred Eze, applauded the courage of the state governor, 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 had become overwhelmed by a climate of fear such that people could not go about their business 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 H. E. 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.
“Ohanaeze Enugu State chapter expresses happiness that the leader of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has himself categorically ordered the cessation of any form of sit-at-home in whatever guise in South East Nigeria," he said.
The group, therefore, praised the “life-saving order by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu because the sit-at-home is counterproductive as it does incalculable harm to the people IPOB is fighting for."
Ohanaeze appealed to parents, guardians, youths, and the general public to join hands with Governor Mbah and his administration in ensuring that sit-at-home was put to a permanent end in the state.