Enugu govt moves to end sit-at-home

•Bishops Onah, Chukwuma, unions back Mbah
•Call for Kanu’s release

The Monday sit-at-home, which has been in force in Enugu State since August 9, 2021, is expected to end today, as the state government has directed workers, market men and women, schools, transporters and corporate organisations, among others, to resume full activities.

The development was outcome of the state Security Council meeting presided over by Governor Peter Mbah, last Thursday. As a way to show solidarity to their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, currently being detained at the Department of the State Services (DSS) facility, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had given the sit-at-home directive across the South East.

They had ordered that no businesses or activities of any sort should operate every Monday until Kanu is released. However, following interventions and appeals by leaders of the zone that the order may cripple the economy, the group decided to call off the action and reserved it on any day Kanu would be in court.

But announcing the decision to abolish the sit-at-home after the first Security Council meeting, Mbah stated that it was in the interest of the state economy, stressing that the development restricts the creative spirit of Igbo.

He, therefore, directed that the practice will end from today, assuring that government will enforce it with all powers at its disposal, while charging residents to support decision by going about their legitimate duties.

MEANWHILE, the Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah, the Anglican Archbishop of Enugu Ecclesiastical Province, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, and the Enugu State Association of President General of Town Unions have expressed support for efforts of the state government to end the practice of sit-at-home in the state, saying it is long overdue.

They also expressed support for Mbah’s call for the release of Kanu from detention, saying it is the right path to national healing and stability in the region.

Speaking to journalists after leading a prayer session for end to sit-at-home in the state and the entire South East at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus (UNEC), yesterday, Rev. Chukwuma appealed to the people to support the government by complying with decision.

He said: “Government has given a directive. My advice and appeal is that you should comply so we can save the economy of South East.” Also, in his homily at the St. Theresa’s Cathedral Nsukka, Bishop Onah, while commending Mbah’s initiative to end the sit-at-home, noted that the suffering in the land was too much.

He, however, begged the people to give the new governors of the South East the benefit of doubt.