Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State emphasized the importance of educating the public about the true intentions of the sit-at-home enforcers in the South-east region. He made this statement during a media chat with Enugu-based reporters and media executives at the Government House in Enugu.
The sit-at-home order, introduced by IPOB in August 2021, aimed to exert pressure on the Nigerian government for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing treason charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The order was initially set for every Monday across the South-east but was later suspended and restricted to the days when Mr. Kanu has court appearances.
However, certain individuals, claiming to be part of the Biafra agitation, have continued to enforce the suspended order. It is important to note that the faction led by Mr. Kanu has disowned these individuals, labeling them as criminals. Governor Mbah echoed this sentiment, stating that those enforcing the order are merely criminals hiding behind the Biafra agitation to carry out illicit activities.
Governor Mbah urged the media to play a crucial role in enlightening the public, emphasizing the need to distinguish between the genuine demand for Nnamdi Kanu’s welfare and freedom and the criminal actions of the sit-at-home enforcers. He called for a direct confrontation of these criminals by the people.
The governor also highlighted the united stance of the Igbo people in demanding Nnamdi Kanu’s release, revealing that he had personally met with President Bola Tinubu to request the IPOB leader’s freedom. Governor Mbah reiterated that the state government was resolute in its fight against the sit-at-home enforcers and would not take orders from them.
The Enugu State government had previously threatened to impose penalties on civil servants and businesses adhering to the sit-at-home order on Mondays. Governor Mbah explained that the ban was implemented to ensure the state’s economic growth and discourage obedience to orders from unidentified criminals.
Governor Mbah expressed his determination not to be overcome by evil and called for collective efforts from the media and Enugu residents to combat scaremongering and fake news. He identified these tactics as the sit-at-home promoters’ new strategy to induce panic.
Furthermore, Governor Mbah urged reporters to uphold professionalism by fact-checking and verifying information before publishing it.
The governor declared that the state had emerged victorious in the actual battle against the sit-at-home enforcers and murderers who aimed to destroy Enugu State and the Igbo land. He emphasized that these individuals could no longer terrorize the lives and property of the people, leading them to resort to scaremongering, fake news, and manipulative tactics to instill fear and control their actions.
Governor Mbah emphasized the practice of democracy, stating that murderers and terrorists would never be allowed to dictate how the people live their lives or when to go out, close businesses, or stay at home. He affirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the people’s mandate.
Regarding the sit-at-home enforcers, Governor Mbah disclosed that the state government was considering prosecuting those involved in instigating violence and enforcing the illegal order at the International Criminal Court in The Hague. He asserted that nobody should be allowed to cause harm, inflict pain, or take lives, especially in the 21st century.
Governor Mbah hinted at the deployment of technology to ensure the safety of residents, emphasizing that there were no longer any hideouts for criminals within the state.
