Residents of Imo State, spanning across its 27 councils, adhered to a sit-at-home directive issued by the Simon Ekpa-led faction of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). This marked a significant response to the call for solidarity, despite an alternative economic empowerment proposal put forth by Nnamdi Kanu, the incarcerated leader of the group.
In Owerri, the state capital, the impact of the sit-at-home order was evident as numerous business establishments, including banks, markets, and food outlets, remained closed. This collective action disregarded the state government’s directive to resume normal business operations, possibly resulting in businesses being sealed for non-compliance.
Throughout the city, there was a noticeable decrease in vehicular traffic, and joint security operations were conducted by law enforcement agents to maintain peace. This pattern was mirrored in various other parts of Imo State.
Some shop owners who chose to open their businesses adopted a cautious approach by offering limited sales and services, catering to their customers discreetly.
Notably, major streets in Owerri, such as Wetheral, Douglas, Okigwe, Egbu, Mbaise, Nekede, Bank, and adjacent roads in Aladinma and Ikenegbu Layout, displayed a deserted atmosphere due to the sit-at-home observance.
Interestingly, while Nnamdi Kanu’s special lawyer, Aloy Ejimofor, advocated for the cessation of sit-at-home activities, emphasizing economic losses suffered by the people of the South East, the Simon Ekpa-led faction of IPOB opposed this directive, labeling it as inauthentic.
A local trader on Wetheral Road, known as Tagboo, voiced a sentiment that echoed through the community. He suggested that the only tangible way to halt the sit-at-home routine would be for President Bola Tinubu to issue a directive securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu from detention. The trader emphasized that such an action by Tinubu would lend credibility to the call for an end to the weekly sit-at-home, instilling confidence in the local population.
