Abia State Government says it is actively monitoring the situation with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is an indigene of the state and is currently under trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja, with a view to ensuring that his fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic, are respected.
A press release endorsed by Abia state commissioner for information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu said the state remains in touch with his family members, other relevant persons and institutions, and receive regular updates through them on the situation. Okiyi added that the Abia State Government is confident that the judiciary will ensure a free and manifestly fair trial for him and others as they remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
He therefore wish to call on all citizens and visitors to continue to be law abiding and avoid any act that might lead to a break down of law and order.
While Government will not compel anyone wishing to sit at home for any reason whatsoever not to do so, as citizens have freedom of movement under the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The release strongly advised that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit at home order from any non state actor as doing so does not serve any known interests of the people of the state.
It further reads, “Furthermore, compelling our children to stay away from school can only serve the interests of the yet to be properly identified persons who may not want to see us make progress as a people”.
“Similarly, our traders sitting at home at a time they need to work very hard to sustain their families and create wealth especially in this era of COVID-19 impacted global economy will obviously not serve any development interest of our hardworking citizens”.
“All law abiding citizens and visitors are therefore called upon to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation as adequate security has been provided to ensure their safety. Parents and guardians are also called upon to ensure that they monitor the activities of their children and wards with a view to ensuring that they do not engage in unlawful activities that will put them in harm’s way”.
Meanwhile, commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Janet Agbede has assured the people of the State that her office in collaboration with other security agencies are working to ensure that they go about their normal businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The CP in a statement she personally endorsed and made available to National Watch vowed that the security forces will subdue any group of hoodlums who attempt to disrupt the peace people of the State are enjoying.
This follows a report that the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB has declared a sit-at-home on Mondays in the South East, beginning from Monday 9 August 2021.
The police boss while noting that the planned restriction of movement will impact negatively on vast majority of residents who depend on their daily income added that it is an infringement on their fundamental human rights.
“There are rumours circulating in the state that members of the proscribed indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) has resolved to commence a sit-at-home on every ‘Mondays’ with effect from Monday 9 August 2021. “The story has it that they have arranged to use their militant arm, Eastern Security Network (ESN) to force compliance. We’re aware that majority of the citizens depend on daily income for their survival.
The sit-at-home will negatively impact the economy of the state and individual pocket.
“These intended actions against those that are not willing to sit-at-home constitute acts likely to cause a breach of the peace and also infringe on their fundamental human rights,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police, therefore, advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against participating in any act, including social media activities capable of stirring action likely to cause a breach of the peace in the state. She reiterated that people should go out their lawful businesses, emphasizing that the security agents have put machinery in motion to prevent and or subdue hoodlums that might want to exploit the rumour to cause mayhem in the State.
