The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised concerns over the ongoing enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the South-East region, despite no clear directive from any specific group. The group condemned the paralysis of businesses, schools, and essential services, blaming the inaction of South-East governors for the economic and security deterioration in the region. HURIWA described the governors? failure to address the issue as a sign that the people no longer have confidence in their leadership.

For several weeks, the sit-at-home days, originally declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in protest of the prolonged detention of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, have continued to shut down economic activities across the region. Even though IPOB has distanced itself from the ongoing calls, residents still comply, reflecting their deep dissatisfaction with governance in the region. According to HURIWA, this compliance indicates the people?s lack of trust in their governors, except for the governor of Abia State.

HURIWA expressed its frustration with the economic paralysis caused by the sit-at-home orders, noting that the ongoing shutdown is severely damaging Igbo land, a significant commercial hub in Nigeria. The association stated that the enforcement of these orders, despite the absence of a legitimate directive, underscores the people?s discontent with the governors' failure to address critical issues, such as insecurity, economic challenges, and political marginalization.

?In key commercial centers like Aba, Abia State, major roads such as Azikiwe, Faulks, Ngwa, and Aba-Owerri were reportedly deserted on sit-at-home days, with schools and markets closed, and only limited movement observed. Similarly, Umuahia saw sparse human and vehicular traffic, as many private schools had already informed students of their intention to close. In Owerri, Imo State, businesses and banks also shut their doors, leaving the streets empty.

?Adding to the fear in the region, a viral video on social media showed vehicles set ablaze in Okigwe, Imo State. However, the Imo State Police Command clarified that the video was from 2022 and unrelated to current events. Despite this clarification, the tense atmosphere in the South-East persists,? HURIWA observed.

?IPOB, through its Media and Publicity Secretary Emma Powerful, denied involvement in the sit-at-home observed on October 21 and 22, 2024, labeling those behind the enforcement as criminals seeking to damage the group?s reputation. ?We didn?t order the two-day sit-at-home. We don?t force people to sit at home without cause,? Powerful stated, as recounted by HURIWA.

In its statement, HURIWA emphasized that the continued compliance with these orders ?despite the absence of an official directive ? represents a loud vote of no confidence in South-East governors. According to the association, the region?s disillusionment with its political leaders, who are seen as more loyal to political benefactors in Abuja than to the people of Igboland, is evident. HURIWA specifically criticized most of the governors, excluding the Abia State governor, accusing them of being ?imposters? who no longer have the people?s trust.

HURIWA called on these governors to act decisively and prioritize the interests of the South-East, starting with a united demand for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, whose detention remains central to the unrest. ?This should compel these governors to work seriously for Ndigbo, rather than serving political masters in Abuja,? HURIWA asserted. The group warned that the ongoing political and economic crises in the South-East could lead to the collapse of the region if left unaddressed.

The association extended its appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to take swift action to resolve the South-East?s political and economic marginalization. HURIWA noted that the current exclusionary policies under the Tinubu administration have deepened the feeling of alienation in the region. The group cautioned that if the President does not take immediate steps to release Nnamdi Kanu and engage in dialogue with legitimate representatives of the South-East, both at home and abroad, the region could descend into further chaos.

?If the South-East collapses under the weight of mass killings by non-state actors and heavy-handed security forces, it could trigger the disintegration of Nigeria,? HURIWA warned. The group highlighted the South-East?s critical role in Nigeria?s unity, stressing that its collapse would lead to a broader national crisis.

HURIWA urged President Tinubu to adopt a more inclusive approach in his policies, warning that failure to address the South-East?s grievances could have disastrous consequences for the entire nation. In conclusion, HURIWA called on all stakeholders ? political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations ? to unite and end the crisis in the South-East. The association stressed that a collective effort is needed to restore peace, stability, and development to the region, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing unrest.

?The situation in the South-East remains critical as sit-at-home orders continue to cripple the region?s economy. Immediate action is required from both the South-East governors and President Tinubu to address the underlying issues driving the unrest. The time to act is now, or else the entire country risks facing the consequences of the looming collapse in the South-East,? HURIWA concluded.

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