Against All Odds, Southeasters still enjoying Sit-At-Home Order.
2 min read
Residents in the Southeastern geopolitical region of Nigeria have developed mixed feelings over the anticipated suspension of the sit-at-home order which many believe has crippled the economic and social activities in the region. The order which was declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB, since last year, came into action with the motive to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention. Since the order came into focus, several markets, churches and more usually obey the order to the core.
Following recent developments, indications emerged last week that the sit-at-home order may be witnessing its last days as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu may be spending his last days in detention following the judicial victory he recorded recently which set him free.
In the cause of observing the order in the Southeast, many people have got used to the order which comes up every Monday. Many residents especially the Igbo now find it very hard to let go. Umuaka Times findings last week showed that during the Monday sit-at-home ‘holiday’, market men and women, students, artisans and even the organized private sector see the order as an extension of the weekend. A large number of them sees the “Monday holiday” as a day to rest after a heavy religious or social outing on Sunday.
Some state civil service workers who spoke to Umuaka Times on the subject wished it could continue. The reason was not in any way connected with Nnamdi Kanu but for them to rest and enjoy the rest of the weekend as they now see Mondays as a part of weekend.
An Mbaitoli woman who works at the local government headquarters told Umuaka Times thus: “Monday is the only day I use to rest and wash my cloths after heavy domestic and official activities of the last week. I wish the holiday continues.”
Another set of people who enjoys the Monday sit-at-home holiday is a cross section of students in the Southeast. One Obinna who told Umuaka Times that he is a student thanked those who declared the day a work-free day because it “gives me the opportunity to play football and visit my friends.”
There is also another set of individuals that holds the view that the order has devastated the economy of the Southeast. This group of people wants the holiday to end as soon as possible.
