ENUGU, Nigeria – Spontaneous protests broke out across parts of Enugu on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, resulting in the reported deaths of three civilians.
The protests were against the closure of businesses by Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, a move aimed at countering the sit-at-home order imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Witnesses reported that police, dispatched by the state government, used live ammunition to disperse the crowd, resulting in the deaths.
The demonstrations, originating at Ogbete Main Market – the state’s largest and one of the biggest in the southeast – quickly spread to nearby Ogui Road.
Protesters ignited bonfires in the middle of roads, chanting slogans against the government.
“Governor Mbah’s administration is infringing on our rights to Freedom of Choice,” declared one protester. “How does it concern them if we decide not to go to work on any particular day. It is within our rights to decide on when and how to do our business, as long as we do not infringe on the law.”
The governor’s directive to close businesses has affected livelihoods, sparking outrage among youths and residents who depend on daily earnings from the market services.
The anger has amplified the protesters’ numbers, leading to the barricading of roads leading to the Ogbete Market, Okpara Avenue, and Ogui Road.
Residents are condemning Governor Mbah for neglecting the state’s economy and security to focus on the shutdown of businesses.
Many are questioning his priorities amidst escalating criminal activities.
“People are kidnapped in many parts of the state every day,” another protester said. “The government should first get rid of the criminals that attack us on Mondays when we open for business so that we can find it safe to open our shops and conduct our businesses.”
Upon taking office on May 29, 2023, Governor Mbah banned the IPOB’s sit-at-home order and threatened to penalize civil servants and private businesses failing to operate on Mondays.
The governor’s directive, however, contradicts the State Police Command’s stance, which maintains that the state’s duty is to foster a conducive business environment rather than force citizens to open their businesses.
The forceful business closures have coincided with a resurgence in violent crime and kidnapping across the state, an issue citizens are blaming on the governor’s order.
As the security situation deteriorates, Governor Mbah’s focus on enforcing business operations raises questions about his administration’s priorities amid the mounting challenges.
