The sit-at-home directed by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, to protest against the celebration of Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary and in solidarity with the declaration of Oduduwa Republic recorded total compliance by residents and traders of Onitsha the commercial city, and Nnewi the industrial city of Anambra State.
All the markets in Onitsha and Nnewi were under locks and keys in obedience to the directive by IPOB, that markets should be shut.
Also, all the street shops were under locks and keys in Onitsha and Nnewi while some people particularly youths were seen in clusters discussing and arguing on issues relating to football.
When Vanguard visited Upper Iweka area of Onitsha on Thursday, October 1, 2020, known for its bubbling business activities, the place was a ghost of itself, as business activities were all shut down, including transport companies located there as passengers unlike on any normal day, were not seen.
All the filling stations located around Upper Iweka were under locks and keys while some people were seen walking long distances due to lack of commercial vehicles and tricycles to take them to their destinations.
Vanguard also visited the River Niger Bridge Head where the Army and Police have their permanent checkpoints with their vehicles stationed there but none of the security agencies officials was seen on the road; there was a peaceful atmosphere as few people seen on the road went about their businesses freely.
The ever-busy Niger Bridge was almost empty with few vehicles particularly tankers probably carrying fuel and kerosene entering and exiting Onitsha at the interval.
Filling stations located on the Onitsha-Enugu expressway up to the former Ogbunike Toll Gate were all shut down, however, those located on the streets if Onitsha and environs were seen open for business. In Aba, business activities were halted in compliance to the sit at home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Motor parks were under locks and keys as major roads such as Azikiwe, Asa, Ikot Ekpene, and Aba Owerri roads were deserted.
Vanguard observed that the leadership of the various market unions in Aba opened their gates for business, but there was no trader in sight. Eateries were also closed.
Transport operators deserted the roads in compliance with the order.
However, it was a different scenario in the state capital, Umuahia, as markets and other business centres opened while transport operators lined the roads, conveying passengers from one destination to the other.
The Isi-gate area was flowing with human and vehicular activities. A trader at one of the markets in Aba, who gave his name as John Emmanuel, said; “Nobody forced any trader or businessman to sit at home, this is a sacrifice we chose to make for the sake of our freedom.
I believe this total shutdown has sent strong messages to the Nigerian government and the international community that we are ready for freedom.
We identify with IPOB in their agitation to actualize the nation of Biafra.”
The Abia State Government had planned to visit selected markets across the state to distribute palliatives to traders, as part of activities marking the Independence Day Celebration.
However, it could not be confirmed if the event held as traders shunned markets in Aba.
Chris Ezem, the secretary to the Abia State Government, in a statement, explained that the exercise was in appreciation of the cooperation of the market community towards the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
Source: Vanguard
