Ban on sit-at-home order stands – Enugu govt vows

The Enugu State Government has declared that its ban on sit-at-home remains irrevocable.

According to reports, that this is coming amid reports of sporadic shootings on different parts of the State by unknown gunmen who are insistent on enforcing the sit-at-home declared by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The sit-at-home has been attracting condemnations from several stakeholders, including the IPOB leadership.

It is being championed by Finland-based Simon Ekpa.

However, in a statement on Wednesday by Professor Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, he said the government’s ban on sit-at-home stands.

Onyia, in the statement also said the government would go after those who were spreading terror and instilling fear in the minds of residents.

He said such people want to test the government’s resolve “to end the illegal sit-at-home order by intentionally spreading panic and fear among the good people and residents of our state.

“The peddlers and instigators of the fake news and pandemonium are already being tracked down by government and the security agencies with a view to bringing them to book.”

While urging members of the public to disregard the falsehoods and fake images being spread on social media, the state government urged them to “go about their businesses, as security measures are fully in place to enforce law and order as well as safeguard lives and property.

“We must not succumb to the evil machinations of those who have no stake in our state; those who mostly live, work, and educate their children overseas, while destroying the economy of our people and the education and future of our children at home.

“The government hereby reiterates that the ban on sit-at-home in Enugu State stands and will be enforced to the full extent of the law.

“All offices, markets, business premises, schools, among others, remain open and fully functional. Those who want to test the collective resolve and strength of Ndi Enugu will not only be defeated, but will be meted the full wrath of the law,” the government declared.