IPOB: Umahi Makes U-Turn, Says Traders Can Sit-At-Home To Honour Biafra Fallen Heroes

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has reversed his statement that traders who comply with the Monday’s sit-at-home order by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB). would forfeit their shops.

KanyiDaily recalls that the IPOB had declared that everybody in the South East must observe a sit-at-home order on Monday, 31st May, in commemoration with this year’s annual Biafra Remembrance Day.

Reacting to the order on Saturday, Governor Umahi warned that Ebonyi traders who comply with the Monday’s sit-at-home order should be ready to forfeit their shops.

The governor has, however, reversed his earlier warning in a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr Francis Nwaze.

Umahi said he had received several requests from some cityzens who wished to remain at home on that day to honour their relatives killed during the 1966 civil war.

“The prayer requests are to honour their loved ones killed during the Nigeria – Biafra civil war and most of those who made these requests are traders,” he said.

“The state government remains resolute to protect its citizens but also realises that people have the right to remain at home or engage in various engagements.”

Governor Umahi, therefore, said those who wished to remain at home on Monday will no longer be penalised or have their shops locked.

“It is their constitutional right while the rights of those who wish to open for business should also not be infringed upon.

“Security agencies are directed to do everything possible to maintain law and order in the entire state.

“The ban on processions or gatherings of any kind throughout the state is still in force,” Umahi said.

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