Anambra records partial compliance to IPOB sit-at-home order

…Traders lament, says we are tired of staying at home

Anambra State has recorded partial compliance to the sit-at-home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in major parts of the state. News Echo had earlier reported that the IPOB, has declared a sit-at-home across the Southeast on Tuesday, September 13, 2022.

The group tagged the sit-at-home, a day of civil action across the Southeast. The group declared the order ahead of the Appeal Court hearing of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and President Muhammadu Buhari’s planned visit to the Southeast. A statement by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, said the sit-at-home would be a total lockdown of the Southeast.

IPOB explained that it was implementing the existing sit-at-home order regarding Kanu’s court appearance.

News Echo Correspondents who monitored that situation gathered that there were vehicular movements in some major cities like Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi the State, on Tuesday. The popular Eke-Awka market was opened with traders their carrying out business activities. Hawkers were not left put as they continue make sales from one stop or the other. Shops attached to residential buildings along the Azikiwa road were seen open fully for business transactions.

However, financial institution such as banks, and filling stations were closed down for fear of the unknown. Ihuoma Okuke, a trader at the market noted that the sit at home order has crippled most of the activities in the state. “Business is dull because of the holiday today, I cannot even go to the bank for deposits. So I want the government to help is stop the situation”.

Our Correspondent who equally monitored the environment in the commercial city of Onitsha reports that some streets were deserted. Like the popular Awka road, Uguata road, Upper New market and Old road Nkpor.

Meanwhile, some of the residents who spoke to News Echo expressed sadness that the Tuesday sit at home was because of President Mohammadu Buhari visitation to Commission road projects in Imo State.

For Chidi Okekeife, “I don’t see the reason why after spending a day on Monday, we are again doing this on Tuesday. People are getting tired of it and want to resume their normal businesses. Another resident, Chief Uchenna Onwuli who spoke on the telephone, said “the situation is getting out of hand, we Igbos have to come back to our sense and stop this madness.” A lot of monies are lost, businesses stalled and even how to buy food are sometimes difficult. So it’s not helping matters at all.