Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, has expressed his concerns regarding the sit-at-home directives that have disrupted business and social activities in the South East region. Obi took to Twitter to issue a statement in response to calls for influential figures from the South East to condemn the sit-at-home order.
Obi described the ongoing situation in the South East as a criminal activity that requires immediate action. He stressed the importance of collaboration between security agencies and the people of the region to effectively address this issue. While acknowledging the renewed efforts of South East Governors in tackling insecurity within their states, Obi emphasized the need for a more strategic and intelligence-driven approach to alleviate the suffering of innocent people.
Highlighting the growing concerns of escalating insecurity in the North Central zone, specifically in the Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, as well as criminal activities in the South East, Obi called for urgent attention to address these alarming issues. He cited recent violent attacks, including kidnapping and arson, and emphasized the need to prioritize the value of human lives in responding to these challenges.
Obi called on security agencies to take necessary and prompt steps to address the incidents, stressing that the country cannot continue to lose innocent lives. He also urged stakeholders, including traditional, Christian, and Muslim leaders, to promote peace among their people and for governments at all levels to address poverty and youth unemployment as a means to tackle insecurity.
The sit-at-home protest in the South East region was announced by Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Obi’s statement comes after a closed-door meeting of South East political leaders held in Abuja to address the security challenges in the region.
The rising insecurity in the country leading to mindless bloodletting, particularly in the North Central zone of the country, and the continued disruption of business and social activities in the South East are all becoming very worrisome.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) July 13, 2023
