By Grace Udofia
The government of Abia State has called on all residents in the state to shun the sit at home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which the group scheduled to take place every Monday.
IPOB had given the order on July 30 after its leader Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested in Kenya and brought to Nigeria to face trial.
According to the group, the stay at home order must be observed in all states across the South East every Monday, until its leader Kanu, is released from the custody of the Department of State Services.
However Commissioner for Information, Chief Okiyi Kalu in a statement released on behalf of the government, directed that residents boycott the IPOB’s order.
Kalu said, “That adequate security had been provided to ensure the safety of lives and property in all parts of the state.
“It made no economic sense to order traders to sit at home, while they are struggling to fend for their families under COVID-19 and the attendant harsh economy.
“Compelling the children to stay away from schools would be counterproductive and capable of retarding their progress academically.
“As citizens have freedom of movement under the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we wish to strongly advice that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit at home order from any non-state actor.
“Doing so will does not serve any known interests of the people of the state. We are actively monitoring the situation with Kanu, who is an indigene of the state, currently undergoing trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja.
“We remain in touch with his family members, other relevant persons and institutions, and receive regular updates through them on the situation.
“The Abia Government is confident that the judiciary will ensure a free and manifestly fair trial for him and others”.
Continuing, Kalu adviced Abia residents to continue to be law-abiding and avoid any acts that might lead to a breakdown of law and order, while also calling on parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children and wards to ensure they do not engage in unlawful activities that would put them in harm’s way.
