Enugu Gov. claims N10 billion weekly losses due to IPOB’s sit-at-home order
Peter Mbah, the Governor of Enugu State, revealed that the state suffers a loss of N10 billion every Monday due to the sit-at-home order enforced by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Mbah addressed stakeholders during a town hall meeting on Saturday, which included representatives from the police, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), traditional rulers, students, non-governmental organizations, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), financial institutions, transport unions, and traders unions.
During the meeting, Mbah urged schools and businesses to discontinue their observance of the Monday sit-at-home order.
He emphasized that this order disrupts economic activities and negatively impacts children. The governor expressed his concern that the sit-at-home order hampers the fulfillment of his campaign promises.
READ ALSO: Enugu State Govt Warns Businesses: Disregard IPOB’s Monday sit-at-home order or face closure
Mbah stated, “If we consider the impact of the Monday sit-at-home on our GDP, we will understand why it is nearly impossible for all of us. We have set a goal to increase our GDP from the current level of $4.4 billion to $30 billion. This growth will primarily come from the private sector. However, businesses will hesitate to establish themselves in Enugu if they know that we do not have a standard five-day workweek, as is the norm elsewhere.”
“We have made a promise that water will flow in every home in Enugu city within 180 days, and I am confident that you will not accept any excuses. But if we analyze the number of Mondays we will lose if we continue with this sit-at-home practice, we will be deprived of approximately 20 Mondays. Instead, we should focus on ensuring that water is flowing in your homes within the promised timeframe of 180 days,” he added.
Mbah called upon the community to recognize the importance of this issue for themselves, their children, and their children’s future. He emphasized the necessity of not failing them.
The stakeholders present at the meeting agreed that the sit-at-home directive was detrimental to productivity.
They urged the state government to revive, revamp, and reinforce internal security mechanisms such as community policing, neighborhood watch, and forest guards. They also urged the security agencies to remain vigilant and reassure citizens and residents of their safety.
Additionally, the stakeholders encouraged the public to support the government and security agencies in their crime-fighting efforts by reporting any suspicious activities.
They emphasized the need for individuals and groups with genuine grievances to engage with the government to ensure lasting peace and security in the state.
The stakeholders commended Governor Mbah for his commendable efforts to restore peace in the state, particularly his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu to advocate for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB.
They believed that Mbah’s visit would expedite the process of national healing, integration, and reconciliation.