Anambra: Schools, banks, markets, others shut over IPOB sit-at-home

Banks, markets, schools, motor parks and other public places were Thursday totally shut down, in observance of the court appearance of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr Nnamdi Kanu.

It is observed that streets, highways and communities were totally devoid of passers-by, or any vehicular movement, just as street shops and other business centres were also under lock and keys in Awka, the state capital.

It was also gathered that the commercial nerve centre of the state, Onitsha, the state’s industrial hub, Nnewi and all communities in the state were totally shut down.

Mr Ken Ebele, a lawyer told our correspondent that: “Today’s sit-at-home exercise seems to be the fiercest in the history of the exercise. I cannot remember IPOB reminding the people to remain at home in observance of the court appearance of their leader, but I think the current security situation is enough to remind the people.”

As at the time of filing this report, the streets and major roads were still free of human beings or vehicles, just as businesses remain shut, despite the successful appearance of the IPOB leader in court, and subsequent adjournment of trial.

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It was earlier reported that, South East Governors has condemned the continued sit at home in the region despite the cancellation by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) assuring that the leaders will do everything within the law to ensure there will not more be sit at home in the region.

The Governors among other South East Leaders including security Chiefs who rose from closed door meeting at the government House Enugu on Tuesday condemned the spate of killings in the state assuring that Ebubeagu security outfit will be launched and laws passed in all the states before end of 2021

South East Leaders who attended the meeting includes the host Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma. Anambra State Governor was absent at the meeting while Abia State was represented by the Deputy Governor.

Other leaders at the meeting include, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, National Assembly members from the South East geo-political zone, former Governors, former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (rtd), leaders of the religious and traditional institutions from the zone including leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo among others.

A minute silence was observed for all those who have lost their lives to the security challenges in the country especially in the South East zone.

Addressing Journalists at the end of the meeting, the Chairman of the Southeast Governor’s Forum, Dave Umahi said “the governors and leaders of the south East condemned the killings in the region and have agreed to join hands with security agencies to stop the killings

The meeting condemned the sit at home orders which are mostly issued by our prople in diaspora who do not feel the pains, the meeting resolved that governors and all people of the south East do everything within the law to ensure that their is no further sit at home in the south East and that people are allowed to freely move about in the zone.