Group tells IPOB to sensitise residents on suspension
Residents of the 27 local councils in Imo State still observed the sit-at-home order, which has officially been suspended by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The pro-Biafra group, which had been proscribed by the Federal Government, ordered a sit-at-home in the South East every Monday to press for the release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
However, due to the economic implication of the order on the people it is fighting for, IPOB, after the initial observance, urged the people not to continue with the order till the day Kanu would be in court. But residents in the zone have continued to observe it, to be on the safe side.
In Owerri, Imo capital, many streets were deserted, while some shops were closed. Several vehicles were off the roads. Many shops were half open, while some banks were offering skeletal services.
Most workers did not go to work, defying the instructions of the state government.
In Anambra State, the order was still respected yesterday, as many people remained in doors.
Roads in Awka, Onitsha, Nnewi and adjoining towns were deserted, with few people seen walking to their various destinations.
Traders and workers in Awka stayed in their homes, banks were closed and markets remained under lock and key.
Vehicular movement was scanty along the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu expressway, as only vehicles of private individuals and security operatives were seen on the road, while heavy duty vehicles were off the roads.
But health institutions were open for activities.
For the fourth Monday, residents of Enugu State deserted the streets, in compliance with the order.
Despite the suspension of the order, residents have continued to remain indoors; abandoning work and businesses, every Monday, apparently in fear of attacks by overzealous Biafra agitators.
Yesterday, Enugu remained a ghost town. Banks, government offices, markets and several other commercial activities were brought to their knees.
But students in JSS3 writing their examinations did not observe the order. Some of the schools involved in the examination, especially private schools, had asked their students to report to school before 6.00 a.m. for the examination, which would commence at 8.30a.m.
MEANWHILE, a socio-political group, Balance and Equity Group (BEG), called on IPOB to use its usual medium of addressing Nigeria and the world to encourage people of South East to go back to their businesses on Mondays.
Founder/Coordinator of BEG, Mr. Chris Arinze, made the call yesterday while addressing newsmen on the legality of the IPOB’s agitation and implication of every Monday sit-at-home in the South East.
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