October 22, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Enugu State Government has reiterated its intention to impose sanctions on schools and businesses that comply with the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) two-day sit-at-home order.
This decision was announced by Professor Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), during a joint press conference with security chiefs.
A team of Government officials, including top security personnel, conducted an assessment tour of schools, businesses, financial institutions, and markets in Enugu to evaluate compliance levels.
The team included Brigadier-General Steven Dogo, Garrison Commander of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army; Theresa Egbunu, State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS); and CP Anayo Uzuegbu, Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command.
Professor Onyia emphasized the Government’s commitment to ensuring the normal functioning of businesses and schools, warning that entities complying with IPOB’s directive would face sanctions.
The Government has encouraged citizens to disregard the sit-at-home order and continue their daily activities without fear.
However, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported that Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of IPOB, declared a sit-at-home on Monday and Tuesday across the South-East region.
Onyia who laud the people of Enugu
“The same applies to markets, businesses, financial institutions, and others. We demand zero compliance with this illegal directive,” Onyia emphasised.
He praised the people of Enugu for resisting the sit-at-home order from what he termed “enemies of progress,” adding that the state had moved beyond such disruptions.
“Enugu is open for business, and we are committed to ensuring a conducive environment for private sector actors. We will not tolerate non-state actors undermining our efforts to grow the economy,” Onyia said.
