By Adadareporters
Most businesses failed to open in Enugu metropolis and its environs today despite the formal cancellation of sit-at-home on Mondays by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Kanu, last Friday, through his special counsel, Barr Aloy Ejimakor, announced the cancellation of the order, which was instituted by IPOB to pressure Kanu’s release from the custody of the State Services where he is being detained since 2021 over an alleged running a proscribed group, jumping bail and treason.
Kanu’s calls for the cancellation of the sit-at-home were however countered by the styled prime minister of Biafra Government in Exile, Mr Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based lawyer. Kanu told Ekpa that the orders were destroying business activities of Southeasterners, and warned him to desist from dishonouring leaders of the region.
A survey conducted by our correspondent today shows that major markets, filling stations, private offices, artisans and commercial vehicle operators ignored the cancellation of the order by Kanu.
Alphonsus, a resident, said, “Seems people are comfortable sitting at home on Mondays. They also want Kanu released because he has committed no offence. He is just responding to the widely acknowledged Igbo marginalisation. Let them release him so that normalcy will be restored.”
The state government had assured the residents of adequate security, and said it would punish anybody or group that failed to open for businesses on Monday.
Last week, the government sealed shops of traders at Ogbete that did not open. Two banks were also sealed. Teaders’ protest as a result of the closure led to the death of one. The deceased is reported to have returned from Dubai and set up his business at Ogbete.”
An analyst, Mazi Nkem Okwosa, said, “Normalcy will soon be restored. Security assurances are the first step. As you can, there is the presence of security agencies. I don’t however know of the same could be said on the outskirts.
“However, some feel the presence of the security personnel portends danger, and shun to come out. Anyways, we are hoping for better days ahead. We call for Kanu’s release as well as government sensitivity to our plights.”
