The governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, on Sunday, directed residents in the state to ignore the sit-at-home order issued by the leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), urging them to go about their legitimate businesses.
This came at the heel of the sit-at-home order IPOB issued to press home its demand for the release of its supreme leader, Nnamdi Kalu, who is currently facing trial.
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Kanu was recently arrested in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria.
The Department of State Security Service failed on 28th July to produce the IPOB leader in court thereby causing the court to adjourn the matter to 21st October 2021.
Umahi’s directive was contained in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Francis Nwaze, and made available to Daily Trust on Sunday.
The statement read in parts: “Presently, the governor is doing everything possible to develop the state across all sectors – education, security, health, agriculture, human capital development, infrastructure, and so on.
“And it is inconsequential to draw the state backwards through temporary deactivation of her economic activities in the guise of a sit-at-home order.
“To this end, the Governor, Engr. David Nweze Umahi, wishes to inform the general public that Monday, August 9, 2021, is a working day, just like every other working day in the state.
“So, markets, banks, schools, etc, will operate normally.
“Consequent upon this, the general public is urged to feel free to go about their lawful businesses in consonance with COVID-19 protocol and the Executive Order of the Governor on social gathering without any fear of intimidation or molestation, both on the said date and thereafter.
“The youths and members of the public are seriously advised to desist from engaging in any activities that are capable of breaking down of law as its resultant effect is dwindling of the economy of the state.
“To this end, security agencies in the state are by this announcement directed to maintain law and order and ensure that all law-abiding citizens go about their duties unmolested.
It could be recalled also that 31 July 2021 was declared sit-at-home by the group, but the order was not observed in Ebonyi State.
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