The Enugu State Government has issued a warning to schools and markets in the state that are observing the illegal sit-at-home order declared by Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed factional leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Tuesday in Enugu, it was stated that any school that fails to open and operate normally on Tuesday will have its license revoked immediately.
The State Government also extended this warning to market unions and shop owners in the state.
Mr. Ekpa had previously declared a total lockdown from July 3 to 10, excluding July 6, in a letter addressed to all Igbos.
Expressing alarm and dismay at this development, Mr. Onyia emphasized that the Enugu State Government is firmly against any form of illegal sit-at-home order throughout the state. He described it as evil and contrary to the Igbo spirit of industry, hard work, creativity, and productivity.
The government is urging the general public to carry on with their normal daily activities, assuring them that sufficient security measures have been put in place to ensure the protection of lives and property.
Mr. Onyia made it clear that the government will no longer tolerate faceless groups or misguided individuals issuing illegal orders and dictating how the people should live their lives. He stated that the government is prepared to confront and defeat such actions using all available power and resources.
Additionally, the state government declared that it will use the full force of the law, including the Cybercrime Act 2015, to pursue and prosecute anyone found intentionally encouraging the illegal sit-at-home order. This includes individuals, groups, and organizations that spread fear among residents through false alarms and the propagation of falsehoods on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter.
Mr. Onyia clarified that this is not intended to infringe on citizens’ freedom of speech and information, as guaranteed by the constitution.
NAN
