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Tag: sit-at-home order

  • Senate wants extradition of Simon Ekpa over sit-at-home orders

    Senate wants extradition of Simon Ekpa over sit-at-home orders

    The Senate has urged the Federal Government to collaborate with the Finish government to extradite Simon Ekpa for prosecution, given his alleged roles in persistent “sit–at–home orders and killings in the South-East.

    The senate resolution was sequel to the consideration and adoption of a motion at plenary on Wednesday.

    The motion titled: “Condemning the disruptive Nature of Five Sit-At-Home Demonstrations in South-East Nigeria, was Sponsored by Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo).

    It was also co-sponsored by all other South-East senators.

    Izunaso in his lead debate,  said thousands of innocent lives had been lost since the action of sit-at-home started, while property worth over a trillion had been destroyed.

    This, he said,  had resulted in investors leaving the region.

    He said the “sit-at-home” civil disobedience actions in the South East had led to the disruption, destruction of economic activities and immeasurable financial losses for businesses, workers, and the local economy.

    ” Because, when people are forced to stay at home and businesses remain closed, productivity declines, and income is reduced, thereby affecting livelihoods and economic growth,” he explained.

    According to him, the “sit-at-home” protests disrupts the education of students, leading to missed classes and delays in academic progress.

    He said such prolonged disruptions had long-term effects on students’ learning outcomes and educational development.

    He expressed worry that disruption of essential public services, such as healthcare, transportation, and waste disposal, continued to have severe impact during “sit-at-home” protests.

    This, he further said,  was adversely affecting the well-being and safety of the general population living in the South East.

    He said the sit-at-home protests continued to lead to acts of violence and clashes with law enforcement agencies which had led to uncountable loss of lives of innocent people, security agents and the protesters.

    “As this increases the potential for criminal elements to take advantage of the situation to engage in looting or other unlawful activities while the people stay at home.”

    He said if the activities of Simon Ekpa, who was issuing the illegal sit-at-home orders was not checked, he might succeed in corrupting the minds of Nigerian youths and turning them against the government which was tantamount to treasonable felony.

    Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) said the sit-at-home phenomena had been taken over by criminals, and was now used to maim people, kill police officers,  loot, carry out vandalism of property of people of the region.

    According to him, his interface with Nnamdi Kanu had revealed that “he” Kanu had told him, that he never authorized the sit-at-home on Mondays in the South-East, saying that it was Simon Ekpa.

    He said the criminals masquerading as IPOB under the instructions of Ekpa were using terror to loot and maim in the South-East.

    Abaribe said he had engaged the Finland Ambassador on the issue of Simon Ekpa but was told that his matter could only be discussed on government to government basis as he was a citizen of Finland.

    Sen.Orji Uzor -Kalu (APC-Abia) thanked the mover of the motion,  saying the military had done well.

    He said the South-East governors needed to drive the solution to the problem, saying that they had a lot to do.

    Kalu said Over N7 trillion had been lost as a result of the sit–at–home order, saying that the criminals were in the bush everywhere, hijacking trucks and trailers on the highways.

    “The governors must come together to work with security chiefs to solve the problem,” Kalu said.

    Sen. Kenneth Emeka (APC -Ebonyi) said the situation was very pathetic, as people were being kept at home in the South-East.

    According to him, the governors are doing their best but urges the Federal Government to take the matter and proffer solution.

    Senate in its further resolutions condemned the sit-at-home in totality and the nefarious activities of Simon Ekpa who is the gang leader.

    It invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs when appointed and relevant stakeholders to carry out thorough investigation as well as bring other sponsors of the act to book.

    It, however, declined a prayer urging the Federal Government to use political solution approach in handling the case of Nnamdi Kanu, given the ongoing litigation on the matter.

    It urged the Federal Government and security agencies to use technology in tracking the criminals with a view to bringing them to book.

    Senate further observed a minute silence in honour of persons who lost their lives as a result of activities of the sit-at-home proponents.

  • Tension grips South – East/ South over IPOB sit – at – home order

    Tension grips South – East/ South over IPOB sit – at – home order

    Many parts of South Eastern Nigeria and Delta State in the South-South have been gripped with new tension as a sit-at-home order by IPOB is taking effect.

    TheNewsGuru.com notes that the order took a different dimension in Owerri, Imo State as residents and traders scampered for safety out of fear of attack by suspected gunmen.

    There was also apprehension in Asaba, the Delta state capital and its environs as parents trooped to schools to pick up their children as members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra allegedly entered the city to enforce the sit-at-home order.

    READ ALSO: DTSG warns group against enforcing sit-at-home order in Asaba

    Further information revealed that the situation generated anxiety among commercial bus drivers and some residents who were out shopping as they had to take to their heels when unsubstantiated rumours started flying.

    Our correspondent gathered that the rumour of the attack came when some markets such as Eke Ukwu, Owerri, and Relief Shops in the Imo state capital, amongst others that earlier opened for business were abruptly closed with residents not knowing the full reason for the development.

    Traders on the streets of Owerri and Ekeukwu were said to have deserted their goods and others immediately closed their shops and returned to their residence while others just waited around with faces glued to the road against sudden attacks by suspected members of IPOB.

    While a good number of traders sustained injuries in the course of running for safety, others had their goods destroyed, TheNewsGuru.com authoritatively gathered.

    ALSO READ: IPOB announces May 18, 26 as sit-at-home to mark Kanu’s appearance in court

    When contacted, the Imo state Police Public Relations Officer, Michael Abattam, said the command was investigating the cause of the stampede.

    Our correspondent also observed the development in Delta State happened around 9.30 am as school authorities had to call parents to come pick up their children.

    It was gathered that IPOB members allegedly entered schools in the Okwe area of Asaba and chased out school children and their teachers.

    Most of the schools in Okwe, Akwaebulu, Oko, Osadenis Road, Bonsaac, and Akwuebulu among others, were seen releasing school children to their parents.

    At the popular Ogbogonogo market in Asaba, business activities were said to have been paralyzed in the early hours of the day as traders stayed away from their shops.

    It was observed that most of the shops were not open for business until noon when traders were seen milling around, observing the situation so as not to be caught unexpectedly by the hoodlums.

    It was also gathered that unknown gunmen shot indiscriminately at Bonsaac which allegedly led to the death of one person, thereby creating apprehension in the state.

    When contacted, the Delta state Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said he was not aware of any killing even as he informed that the command had drafted personnel to every nook and cranny of the state to provide security for the people.

  • What Nnamdi Kanu told me during visit – Soludo

    What Nnamdi Kanu told me during visit – Soludo

    Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo says the detained leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is unhappy with the killings and enforcement of the protracted sit-at-home order in the South-East.

    The order has always been enforced by groups claiming to act on his behalf.

    But Soludo said this was part of his interaction with Kanu during a visit to the proscribed IPOB leader in his detention facility on Friday in Abuja.

    Mr Christian Aburime, Chief Press Secretary to Soludo who issued a Statement on Sunday in Awka, reported Soludo as saying that kanu was in a stable condition.

    “Kanu is in support of continuation of the search for a sustainable solution to the insecurity in the South-Eastern part of the country,” the statement noted.

    According to him, “Kanu informed me that if given the opportunity, he would make a broadcast that would address the degenerating security situation in the South-East under the guise of agitation.

    “I visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanuo May 13 to felicitate with him and also as part of the wider consultations with critical stakeholders in search of lasting peace and security in the South-East.

    “He was in very high spirit and we had quality and frank discussion in a very convivial atmosphere.

    “He expressed sadness over what he described as ‘sacrilegious killings’ of innocent persons, kidnappings and all forms of criminality, including the brutal enforcement of the senseless sit at home perpetrated by sundry groups claiming to be acting for or on behalf of IPOB.

    “He (Kanu) assured that if the opportunity arises, he will be glad to personally broadcast to his followers to maintain the peace,” he said.

    Since the detention of Kanu more than a year ago, the illegal pro-Biafran group had declared every Monday sit-at-home, in sympathy for their leader.

    The situation had paralysed socio-economic activities in the five South-Eastern states of Abia, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo and Anambra.

  • Soldiers kill one suspected IPOB member in Abia state

    Soldiers kill one suspected IPOB member in Abia state

    A gunman suspected to be a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been killed by operatives of 14 Brigade Army Headquarters in Ohafia, Abia State.

    Findings show that the incident happened in the Uratta area of the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway on Wednesday.

    Although a source claimed four members of the outlawed organization died in a shootout but another report said one pro-Biafra agitator was killed.

    It was gathered that the IPOB members marched through popular streets and markets yesterday, warning traders and residents of dire consequences if they disobeyed IPOB’s sit-at-home order today and Friday.

    The sit-at-home order given by IPOB to be observed by people in all southeastern states was to protest the scheduled visit of President Buhari to Ebonyi state on Friday for commissioning of projects by Governor Dave Umahi.

    The sit-at-home order was announced by gun-wielding men dressed in black

    Many shoppers, who had just arrived in Aba from other parts of the country and neighbouring African regions, could not hide their fears and anger over the sit-at-home order as it was going to force them to stay beyond their planned departure date.

    Meanwhile a source at the 14 Brigade Army barracks said that members of the proscribed group had a face-off with soldiers that led to the exchange of gunfire.

  • 2023 elections: Igbos need a new approach to earn our votes-Oluwo of Iwo

    2023 elections: Igbos need a new approach to earn our votes-Oluwo of Iwo

    Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi the Oluwo of Iwo, has declared that he can trust any Igbo aspirant with the Presidency of Nigeria.

    Oluwo made his position known at a time the South-East is demanding that it’s high time to have an Igbo president in the country.

    He condemned in totality the IPOB sit- at- home order on Mondays presently ongoing in all igbo states, saying it’s detrimental to the growth and survival of the country.

    Oba Abdulrosheed also advocated for a rethink by the South Easterners to their approach.

    The monarch held that no Nigerian will feel secured in the hands of a leader whose ethnic attachment deprived other Nigerians their rights.

    The Oluwo spoke through a statement released by his chief press secretary Alli Ibraheem, he advised the igbos to change their approach to issues otherwise their dreams of producing a president may hit the rocks.

    While acknowledging the damage done to Igbos by the Nigerian civil war, he enjoined the south easterners to rescind on their attitude of barring people from other parts of the country from owning properties in their domain.

    He insisted that the policy was not only detrimental to their political strength, but also a deficit to the economic unity of Nigeria.

    According to him, “The civil war wounds meted on south easterners is a weak factor to institutionalize policies capable of tearing the nation apart.

    “I have people from across Nigeria in Iwo, including the South Easterners. They do not only have their businesses but also built their houses and own farm lands. Such is not only peculiar to Iwo but to other parts of the country, except the South-East. A Nigerian in Nigeria should be able to own land anywhere.

    “The style by the South easterners is barbaric. Such is not only detrimental to their economic viability but also to their political recognition. As a traditional ruler, I can’t trust any South easterner as my President.

    “You can’t be a leader on sectional interest. With such unsophisticated, primitive and uncivilized thinking, no Nigerian from other zones will vote a south easterner as their President.”

  • Ebonyi government distance self from IPOB sit-at-home order, Instructs markets, parks to open

    Ebonyi government distance self from IPOB sit-at-home order, Instructs markets, parks to open

    The Ebonyi Government has directed markets, parks and business premises to disregard the sit-at-home order on Tuesday, Jan. 19 by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
    The group had issued a sit-at-home order in solidarity with its Leader, Nnamdi Kanu, whose case comes up from Jan. 18 to Jan. 20.
    Kanu is accused of committing a treasonable felony, an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
    But in a statement issued to newsmen on Sunday in Abakiliki, the state government stated that
    the people of the state would not be part of the IPOB order.
    The statement, which was signed by the Commissioner for Market and Park, Mr Nwachukwu Eze, directed all markets and parks to open for business.
    “All markets and parks leaderships in Ebonyi are by this announcement directed to ensure that markets are open for businesses on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
    “The state is not in any way part of the sit-at-home order by IPOB.
    “Please note that strict compliance to this directive is very important as failure to do so will attract severe punishment,” Eze further added.

  • BREAKING: IPOB cancels one week sit-at-home directive in South East, asks Anambra residents to vote on Saturday

    BREAKING: IPOB cancels one week sit-at-home directive in South East, asks Anambra residents to vote on Saturday

    The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has cancelled its one week sit-at-home order across the South-East.

    IPOB said the order was called off following consultations with elders, traditional, and religious leaders from the Southeast.

    Spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, disclosed this in a statement he issued on Thursday evening.

    According to Powerful: “Following the genuine intervention of our elders, esteemed traditional Institutions /Rulers and Religious Leaders, and after a due consideration of the positive impacts of their engagement, and sequel to the fact that Our elders have spoken in our terms , the Leadership of IPOB ably lead by MAZI NNAMDI Kanu hereby and immediately CALL OFF THE ONE WEEK SIT AT HOME earlier declared to commence tomorrow, November 5 to November 10, 2021.

    “We have equally considered several appeals by our mothers who earn their living based on their daily economic activities which will obviously be affected if Biafra land is locked down for one whole week. It’s never our intention to add to the pains of our people, hence our decision to suspend the sit-at-home.

    “IPOB leadership is only interested in Our referendum and peaceful agitation for self determination, and can not by under any guise be seen to be interfering with any electoral process.”

    The separatist group urged people of the Anambra State to come out en masse and vote for candidates of their choice on Saturday.

    “The people of Anambra State should go out enmasse and peacefully exercise their franchise come 6th November 20121 and accordingly, chose a leader of their Choice and should not be intimidated by anybody, group of persons or security agents.

    “Credible intelligence available to us confirmed that the Nigeria DSS has concluded arrangement to deploy a branch of their trained terrorist group to Anambra state come 6th Day 2021, to unleash mayhem on our people and attribute the killing to peaceful IPOB members.

    “Anambrarians should vote and standby to protect their votes. No rigging of any kind will be tolerated on the Anambra State governorship election. It must be transparent, free and fair to all.

    “We wish to thank Biafrans, IPOB members worldwide, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom for their continued support for our dogged struggle for independence,” IPOB said.

  • Senator Nnamani bares mind on sit-at-home order in South East

    Senator Nnamani bares mind on sit-at-home order in South East

    Senator Chimaroke Nnamani, (PDP-Enugu), Chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, has called for an end to the ‘sit-at-home’ order, by the proscribed IPOB in the South East.

    Nnamani, who made the call in a statement he issued to newsmen, on Sunday, in Abuja, noted that the order had brought the economy and social life in the region to its knees.

    The one time governor of Enugu, also condemned the attack on citizens who went about their legitimate businesses, on account of the sit -at- home order.

    The lawmaker said the trinity of the Igbo character was defined by hard work, adding that the sit-at-home was antithetical to this trait and a betrayal of Igbo interest.

    He then called on those behind the order to discontinue forthwith, following the continuous damage to the economy and psyche of the Igbo people.

    ”Most of our people live on daily income. Think of the market women who depend on daily earnings to feed their families. Think of students writing external examinations being denied access to the venues.

    ”How does enslaving our people, denial of means of livelihood, add value to our quest for equity and justice? If others reject us, should we also reject ourselves?

    ”It stands to reason that this sit-at-home cannot be a way forward .We cannot abandon ourselves.

    ”In our struggle for equity and justice in the Nigerian federation, we cannot inadvertently inflict more injuries on ourselves by this sit-at-home order,” he stated.

    Nnamani, therefore, urged all men and women of goodwill to prevail on the protagonists of the sit-at-home order, to restore normalcy in the region.

    He added that with tenacity of purpose and determination, the quest for equity and justice would be realised and not with violence.

  • IPOB sit-at-home order: Gunmen attack Anambra police station, cart away arms

    IPOB sit-at-home order: Gunmen attack Anambra police station, cart away arms

    Gunmen on Monday reportedly attacked Nnewi Police Area Command, Anambra State, carting away some arms.

    The incident, which witnessed heavy shootings between the gunmen and Police, caused pandemonium amongst residents of the industrial city.

    According to reports, the gunmen, who stormed the area around noon with seven vehicles, engaged the Police in a gun duel that last for one hour.

    An eyewitness said the gunmen overpowered the police and carted away with their arms.

    He however said no casualty was recorded in the incident.

    “Even though reinforcement from the Navy arrived the scene shortly after, the gunmen had left before their arrival. Efforts to pursue them were unsuccessful,” he added.

    Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga said he was yet to receive the report.

    TheNewsGuru.com, TNG reports that the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra group had earlier ordered residents in the five south east states to observe a sit-at-home directive today (Monday) in solidarity with their leader, Nnamdi Kanu who is being held in the Department of State Services (DSS) custody.

  • Ignore IPOB’s sit-at-home order, Imo government tells residents

    Ignore IPOB’s sit-at-home order, Imo government tells residents

    The Imo State Government on Thursday urged residents of the state to ignore a sit-at-home order by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on May 29 and May 30.

    The Commissioner for Information and Strategy of the state, Mr Declan Emelumba, said this while briefing newsmen in Owerri on Thursday.

    Emelumba urged residents of the state to go about their lawful businesses without fear of molestation, adding that adequate security arrangements had been put in place to ensure safety and freedom of movement.

    “Imo residents should disregard these messages as they have no consequence whatsoever. They should go about their normal businesses without any fear of molestation.

    “Let our people be rest assured that the government has put all necessary security measures in place to ensure the safety and freedom of movement of all Imo people on these dates and after,” he said.

    Speaking on the alleged shoot-at-sight order given by government to security operatives, the commissioner said it was the handiwork of rumour mongers and enemies of the state.

    According to him, only criminals have something to worry about the security measures put in place in the state and innocent residents have nothing to fear.

    “Just when the government has successfully brought he state back to normalcy, these vicious enemies have contrived another rumour to the effect that security agents have been instructed to shoot and kill Imo youths extra judicially.

    “I am here to urge my dear Imo youths to ignore this baseless rumour of them being targets of intimidation or assault by security agents, as the originators of this rumour are those who have vowed to make Imo ungovernable.

    “I am, therefore, using this medium to appeal to our parents and guardians to rein in their children and wards against any form of demonstration in this volatile time.

    “Those who are stoking the embers of this crisis will not put forward their children to be part of the battle. That is why my fellow parents should not allow their children to be Cannon fodder in a purely mindless matter.

    “Once again, government has not given any order for either the arrest or killing of innocent Imo youths. So, law-abiding citizens should go about their legitimate businesses without any fear or panic,” he said.