Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has condemned the incessant call for sit-at-home in the South-East by Mr. Simon Ekpa.
In a statement by Dr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide worldwide, the body said it was disheartening and unacceptable.
According to Iwuanyanwu: “It is indeed very disheartening that the people of South-East of Nigeria are being subjected to hardships by the incessant call for sit at home.
“Unfortunately several non-state actors in an attempt to enforce the order have unleashed mayhem on the people.
“As a result, several people have been killed, maimed and properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed.
“In addition, the sit at home order has been instilling fear and trepidation on the good people of the South-East, making it difficult for people to come out to transact their lawful businesses on the sit at home days.”
Ohanaeze president general said that the South-East was noted for micro, small and medium-scale enterprises, indigenous manufacturing, fabrication and agro-allied industries.
It added that several authorities have put the losses encountered by the people of South-East at trillions of Naira on each sit at home day.
“The South-East has witnessed loss of clients and customers who find alternatives because of the unstable business environment in the South-East.
“The food transporters to the South-East charge more for a trip to the South-East because of these sit at home orders.
“Furthermore, the insecurity and unknown gunmen have been on the increase because of the sit at home order.
“Worst still, over 250 persons are estimated to have lost their lives through the enforcement of the sit at home order,” Ogbonnia said.
Ohanaeze condemned in strong terms the imposition of a two-week sit-at-home by Ekpa in the S’East, saying that it was “unacceptable and must not be allowed to succeed in Igboland.”
Iwuanyanwu further said that Mazi Nnamdi kanu had recently renounced sit-at-home and had directed the said Simon Ekpa “to end all sit-at-home in the South-East and to stop antagonising the governors of the South-East or politicians from the region.”
“It is very disturbing that at a time the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is engaging the Igbo entrepreneurs all over the world, on a think-home philosophy, a foreign based Igbo is bent on destabilising the home front.
“It is evident that the series of sit at home order is affecting the social and economic life of the Igbos. Surely, it is not to the advantage of the Igbos.”
The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, therefore, directed that the sit at home in Igbo-land should be discountenanced and all the sons and daughters of Igboland to go about their lawful businesses.
Iwuanyanwu further requested to meet with, Mr. Simon Ekpa and his group for a discussion and an opportunity to air their grievances.
The President General also urged the security operatives to exercise the highest degree of prudence in the discharge of their official duties to avoid further loss of innocent lives in Igboland.
“I wish, on behalf of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide to commend the South-East Governors in their effort to put a stop to the sit at home order.
“My sympathy goes to the families who have lost loved ones and properties during this sad and unfortunate events. I seek the cooperation of all and sundry,” Iwuanyanwu said.
