BY JUDE OSSAI / ENUGU
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Enugu State chapter on Sunday threw its weight behind Governor Peter Mbah to ending the illegal sit-at-home order in the state.
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The state chapter of the apex umbrella of Igbo socio-cultural associations said it is fully backing the Enugu State Government in its cancellation of the sit-at-home order in the state.
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Recall that the Mondays sit-at-home was enforced by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by Finland based Simon Ekpa, who styled himself as the Biafran Prime Minister.
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The factional group had insisted on the sit-at-home as a way of calling for the release of their leader, Nnadi Kanu who is being detained by Nigeria’s secrete police-Department of State Services (DSS).
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But in a statement signed by Enugu State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Professor Fred O. Eze, and made available to journalists in Enugu on Sunday, the group applauded the courage of the State Governor, Mbah in taking the bold step to put an end to “the scourge of sit-at-home in Enugu state”.
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Ohanaeze recalled that before the cancelation by the government, Enugu State became overwhelmed by a climate of fear such that people could not go about their businesses with confidence.
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“In Enugu State, every Monday became an unofficial holiday as businesses and other social activities usually came to a halt.
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“Thus, the continued observance of the of the sit-at-home order had 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.
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“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
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“The sit-at-home order is self-immolating and has disrupted all productive assets and resources in the state since its introduction and enforcement”.
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“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.
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The group therefore applauded the “life-saving order by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu because the sit-at-home is counter productive as it does incalculable harm to the people IPOB is fighting for”.
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Ohanaeze appealed to parents, guardians, youths and the general public to join hands with Gov Mbah and his administration in ensuring that sit-at-home was put to permanent end in the state.
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