|
Listen to article
|
The Senate has formally demanded that the Federal Government engage the Finnish Government in the extradition process of Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed follower of Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Southeast region has been grappling with a crippling economic slowdown as Ekpa, at the helm of the controversial faction of the secessionist group, consistently instructs his loyalists to enforce sit-at-home orders in his claimed solidarity for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Insecurity has become a prevalent issue in the southeast region due to the frequent imposition of sit-at-home orders, primarily observed on Mondays.
As per the Senate’s assessment, the initiation of this action has caused the loss of thousands of innocent lives and resulted in property destruction worth over a trillion naira, compelling investors to abandon the region for safer opportunities.
In his presentation of the motion, Senator Izunaso said that ‘The Senate is aware that thousands of Innocent lives have been lost since this action started, and properties worth over a Trillion have been destroyed which has resulted in investors leaving the region.’
Read also: Igbo Leaders Seek Government Measures On Simon Ekpa
‘Further aware that the ‘sit-at-home’ civil disobedience actions in the South East has led to the disruption/destruction of economic activities as well as immeasurable financial losses for businesses, workers, and the local economy. Because, when people are forced to stay at home and businesses remain closed, productivity declines, and income is reduced, thereby affecting livelihoods and economic growth.’
‘Notes that the “sit-at-home” protests disrupts the education of students, leading to missed classes and delays in academic progress. And such prolonged disruptions have long-term effects on students’ learning outcomes and educational development.’
‘Disturbed that disruption of essential public services, such as healthcare, transportation, and waste disposal, continues to have severe impact during “sit-at-home” protests which adversely affect the well-being and safety of the general population living in the South East;
‘Further disturbed that the “sit-at-home” protests continues to lead to acts of violence and clashes with law enforcement agencies which has led to uncountable loss of lives of innocent people, security agents and the protesters. As this increases the potential for criminal elements to take advantage of the situation to engage in looting or other unlawful activities while the people stayed at home; and’
‘Worried that if the activities of Simon Ekpa, who is issuing the illegal “sit at home” orders is not checked, he may succeed in corrupting the minds of Nigerian youths and turning them against the government which is tantamount to treasonable felony.’
