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In response to the sit-at-home order declared by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Enugu saw a day of intense protests yesterday.
Businesses in the Enugu metropolis faced consequences yesterday for not adhering to the order requiring non-compliance with the sit-at-home, as the state government sealed their business off.
The Nigerian government has prohibited the Monday sit-at-home directive of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, as they continue their protests against the detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, despite numerous court orders demanding his release.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, issued a statement on Saturday, firmly reiterating that the ban on the illegal Monday sit-at-home order remains in full effect for residents and businesses in the state.
Market operators were cautioned that failure to open on Monday would result in an indefinite shutdown, as stated by the authority.
‘Given this, civil servants, schools, markets, financial institutions, business premises, and others, are hereby directed to resume normal activities on Monday.’
‘Government restates its resolve to apply sanctions against defaulters of its cancellation of the illegal Monday sit-at-home order in the state.’
Read also: Enugu: Mbah Seals 106 Shops, 2 Banks Over Sit-At-Home Order
‘Markets that fail to open to customers on Monday shall be shut down indefinitely. Shops in the markets that close on Monday shall be sealed and re-allocated to those eager to do business in the state.’
‘Government extends the same warning of sanctions against schools, financial institutions, shopping malls, department stores, business premises, and others that may defy its directive,’ he said.
In a video that surfaced yesterday, a team of task force officials, reportedly from Governor Mbah’s office, were seen sealing departmental stores at Spar Market in Enugu.
Meanwhile, In defiance of the regular sit-at-home order in the southeast, some residents of the state displayed their disagreement yesterday by coming out in large numbers to protest against the Monday sit-at-home directive.
A massive gathering of youths, men, and women flooded the state streets in a show of solidarity with their Governor, saying that the sit-at-home situation is no longer a matter to be taken lightly.
The crowd started their march at Okpara Square, proceeding to Eastern Shop, and to the well-known Ogbete market.
According to the residents, the state is in distress, and they implore fellow citizens to resume their routine business activities.
With banners boldly inscribe with ‘Enough is Enough,’ the protesters marched through several streets, making their message resoundingly clear to the public.
