Southeast governments and the police yesterday urged residents to disregard the sit-at-home call by the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The group had declared May 30 a sit-at-home day to honour those who fought in the civil war.

Enugu State government reiterated Governor Peter Mbah’s strong commitment to permanently ending the illegal sit-at-home exercise.

A senior member of the Mbah Administration noted that the state was winning the war against illegal sit-at-home and insecurity.

He said the government would not take kindly to anyone attempting to disrupt the peace in the state.

He urged the people not to listen to any order to leave their businesses and sit at home.

Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Alex Ogbonnia, said the organisation would soon hold its National Executive Council meeting in Enugu where a decision would be taken.

The police in Anambra State urged residents to go about their normal business that day.

Spokesman Ikenga Tochukwu did not respond to calls nor reply to a message sent to him, but the senior officer said the days of sit-at-home were long gone.

“IPOB remains banned and has no authority to impose such order on the citizenry.

“People should go about their normal businesses without any fear of any form. Our men will be on the ground on the said day,” the source said

Chris Aburime, Press Secretary to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, did not pick up his calls. Still, another senior official said: “The masses are battling with the hardship and one faceless group wants to impose another one on the people. Enough is enough.”

Police Spokesperson in Ebonyi, Joshua Ụkandu, warned IPOB to steer clear of the state.

He urged residents to ignore the order and go about their activities.

According to him, police and other security agencies will provide adequate security to ensure no one is intimidated that day.

The Abia State Police Command and state officials said the directive was illegal and should be ignored.

Police spokesman Maureen Chinaka and Governor Alex Otti’s spokesman Kazie Uko did not respond to messages sent to them. Still, a senior government official warned that the state would take decisive action against enforcers.

A senior officer said the police would not allow outlaws to disrupt the peace in Abia. (The Nation)

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