The Enugu State Government on Monday sealed shops in major markets across the state that refused to do business in observance of the sit-at-home order of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Recall that Gov. Mbah, few days after assumption of office, announced an end to the order, effective from June 5.
He had said that such orders restrict creativity, entrepreneurship, and productivity in the state, and threatened to close any school, markets, and financial institutions, among others, that obey the order.
The governor warned that traders, who continued to sit at home from Monday, July 24, stood to lose their shops to serious-minded businessmen.
Again, the Enugu government in statement issued on Saturday, July 22, by it secretary, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia urged Enugu residents to disregard Monday’s sit-at-home order by the factional members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and go about their normal businesses.
“Markets that fail to open to customers on Monday shall be shut down indefinitely and shops in the markets that close on Monday shall be sealed and re-allocated to those eager to do business in the state.
“Government extends the same warning of sanctions against schools, financial institutions, shopping malls, department stores, business premises, and others that may defy its directive,” he said.
But despite all the warning, the residence continue to observe the IPOB sit-at-home order, defying the governor’s directive.
According to Channels TV report, Truthlive news learnt that the sealing exercise was led by the Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia.
Speaking to reporters, Onyia said the operation was aimed at demonstrating seriousness on the part of the government, adding that it was to support those that showed their willingness to comply with the government directive.