ENUGU, Nigeria – Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has announced a ban on the sit-at-home order in the state and called on President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB.
Governor Mbah made the announcement on Thursday, June 1, 2023, while addressing the media on the outcomes of his first security council meeting with the heads of all the security agencies at the Government House, Enugu State.
The governor expressed concern that the sit-at-home order, declared in the South-East to pressure for Kanu’s release, has had a detrimental impact on economic activities in the state.
“There will be no observance of any sit-at-home in all nooks and crannies of Enugu State from Monday, June 6, 2023,” Governor Mbah declared on Thursday, June 1, 2023. He further assured that his government would enforce this ban “with all the powers at its disposal.”
While promising to engage in dialogue with stakeholders, Governor Mbah urged residents of Enugu to reinvigorate their work ethic, take pride in their state, and aspire to return to its glorious past.
Simultaneously, the governor called on President Tinubu to release Kanu, stating that this would accelerate the healing process that Nigeria currently needs.
He further emphasized that Kanu’s release would signify an extension of brotherhood to the South-East region.
“We believe that his release will expedite the healing process Nigeria needs at this time,” Governor Mbah said. “It will also be a pointer to his administration’s extension of brotherly hands of fellowship to Ndigbo.”
Kanu has been in detention since 2021. Despite repeated appeals for his release, the government of the previous President Muhammadu Buhari did not comply.
