The Enugu State Government has declared that its ban on the sit-at-home order stands, despite condemnations from various stakeholders, including the leadership of IPOB.
It was gathered that the order, championed by Simon Ekpa, based in Finland, has sparked widespread condemnation.
In a statement released on Wednesday by Professor Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, the government affirmed that the ban on the sit-at-home directive remains in effect.
Onyia stated that the government will take action against those spreading terror and instilling fear among the residents.
He further added, “These individuals are attempting to test the government’s determination to end the illegal sit-at-home order by intentionally spreading panic and fear among the good people and residents of our state. The government and security agencies are actively tracking down the peddlers and instigators of fake news and pandemonium, with the aim of bringing them to justice.”
The state government urged the public to disregard false information and fabricated images circulating on social media. They also assured citizens that security measures are in place to enforce law and order and to ensure the safety of lives and property.
The statement emphasised the need to resist the sinister agenda of those who have no vested interest in the state, individuals who primarily live, work, and educate their children overseas while undermining the economy and the future of Enugu’s children at home.
The government restated its commitment to enforcing the ban on sit-at-home orders within Enugu State, emphasising that all offices, markets, business premises, and schools remain open and operational.
Recently, the state has experienced sporadic shootings in various areas by unidentified gunmen who insist on enforcing the sit-at-home order declared by a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The full statement reads:
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Ban on sit-at-home order stands
The Enugu State Government has monitored and assessed reports of alleged incidents of shooting in parts of the state today, and found them to be mere scaremongering by the enemies of peace and progress, who want to test our 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.
The Enugu State Government, therefore, urge members of the public to disregard the falsehoods and fake images being spread on social media and 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.
Signed:
Professor Chidiebere Onyia
Secretary to the State Government
Wednesday, July 5, 2023