Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Economic activities have been grounded in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, South East Nigeria following the sit-at-home declared by some pro-separatist groups in the region.
It appears residents adhered to and showed maximum level of compliance on Monday, to the two-day purported sit-at-home order.
Markets, financial institutions, petrol stations as well as private and public enterprises in Abakaliki metropolis remained closed in the early hours of the first day of the civil disobedience action.
Our Reporter who moved round the city reports that as at 8 O’clock in the morning, major roads and streets of the capital city were virtually free of human and vehicular traffic, an indication that most residents are keeping indoors.
A banker who spoke anonymously said he was in the office with his colleagues but they were advised by the management not to open for business.
“It will also not make any sense to open since customers are all at home. We won’t serve ourselves.”
At the Abakaliki international market, a few persons seen there said they came out with the intent of doing business but met what they described as a disappointing situation in the market.
A resident, James Ike, urged government to do everything within its power to end the incessant sit-at-home order.
He notes that the exercise is affecting the the economy of the South-Eastern region adversely.
Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies were seen around the city on patrol across major roads in the state capital to forestall any breach of peace.
