Abia Govt tells residents to shun IPOB sit-at-home order, as group says ‘no going back’

Abia Government has told residents in the state not to comply with the sit-at-home directive called by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) group for Monday, saying they should instead go about their normal businesses.

This is also IPOB has insisted that there is no going back on its directive which takes effect on Monday, August 8 across the South East states.

Abia government’s position was contained in a statement issued in Umuahia by the Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, Saturday, as it also assured residents and visitors of their safety.

The government advised citizens and visitors to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation by the group.

The Commissioner in a statement in Umuahia said while government would not compel anyone wishing to sit at home for any reason whatsoever not to do so, noting that as citizens they have freedom of movement under the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We wish to strongly advise that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit at home order from any non- state actor as doing so does not serve any known interests of the people of the state.

“Compelling our children to stay away from school can only serve the interests of the yet to be properly identified persons who may not want to see us make progress as a people.

“Similarly, our traders sitting at home at a time they need to work very hard to sustain their families and create wealth especially in this era of COVID-19 impacted global economy will obviously not serve any development interest of our hardworking citizens.

The Government advised resident of the state to ‘continue to be law abiding and avoid any act that might lead to a breakdown of law and order.’

 “All law abiding citizens and visitors are therefore called upon to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation as adequate security has been provided to ensure their safety.

“Parents and guardians are also called upon to ensure that they monitor the activities of their children and wards with a view to ensuring that they do not engage in unlawful activities that will put them in harm’s way.”

The State Government said it would ensure respect for the fundamental human rights of Nnamdi Kanu during his ongoing trial, adding that it was monitoring the trials of Kanu who is an indigene of the state.

Meanwhile, IPOB has insisted its Monday’s sit-at-home order across the Southeast would go ahead as planned

Media and Publicity Secretary, of IPOB, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Sunday, said the planned weekly lockdown which takes effect from Monday, August 9, 2021 would continue until its leader, Nnamdi Kanu is freed.

“We the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wish to remind all Biafrans and friends of Biafran that the Monday’s sit-at-home order is sacrosanct.

“The entire Biafra land will be locked down every Monday from 6:00am to 6:00pm beginning from tomorrow, August 9, 2021until our leader, Nnamdi Kanu who was abducted in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria and locked up in DSS dungeon in clear violation of international laws is freed.

“Consequently, there will be no movement throughout Biafra land on Mondays until our leader who is suffering for our freedom is released. This protest is peaceful but firm. Everybody is advised to stay indoors in total compliance.

“All markets, schools, motor parks, airports, and public places in Biafra land should shut down from morning to evening every Monday.

” We understand the economic implications of this measure but we are constrained to take it so that the world will know that our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not alone in the struggle for Biafra autonomy.

“We want his immediate release and our total freedom, and cannot hesitate to pay any sacrifice needed to achieve this including locking down the entire Biafra land on Mondays.

“All residents and visitors in Biafra land are advised to comply with the order. Nobody should go out to avoid any clash or intimidation by the wicked Nigeria security agents.”