ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Residents of Enugu city, the Enugu State capital, southeast Nigeria and its environs on Monday reinforced the sit-at-home despite the State government’s ban on the ‘illegal Monday sit-at-home.
Voiceofnaija.ng had reported that Governor Peter Mbah, on Saturday, threatened to close schools, markets and motor parks and businesses that failed to open for business or academic activities on Monday, 5 June 2023, and thereafter.
Mbah had, in a public service announcement on Saturday, said that the directive followed his recent ban/cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home exercise in all the state, starting from today, Monday, 5 June 2023.
The Governor said: “This is to inform all schools, markets, retail outlets, hospitals, transporters, malls and the general members of the public that, in view of the recent ban/cancellation of Mondays’ sit-at-home by the Government of Enugu State, in all nooks and crannies of the state, they have been directed to go about their normal businesses and activities every day of the week, including Mondays.
“The above-mentioned bodies and others alike are required to comply with the directive as adequate security measures have been taken to guarantee their safety.
“Members of the government’s task force will be moving around to monitor compliance. Any market, transport outlet, or any other body that fails to open for business risks being shut down immediately.”
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However, the compliance level on Monday morning showed that residents instead reinforced the sit-at-home exercise.
Visits to Holy Ghost, Old Park, Garrik, Emene, Eke-Obinagu, Abakpa and Zik Avenue showed that unlike previous Mondays in recent months when some people came out to open their businesses early, this time, roads were totally deserted.
Also, while filing this report, schools within the city centre and on the outskirts of the state capital were shut, while filling stations were also closed.
According to Sahara Reporters, in the Holy Ghost area, where there are lots of motor parks, the story was the same, as all transport companies in the area completely shut their businesses.
Also, at Old Orie Emene, commuters deserted the roads, and at Enugu-Abakaliki Road, which is almost ever busy, was deserted. For over 20 minutes, it was observed that no single vehicle passed the road.
Ever busy Agbani road is also deserted, as few people were seen trekking. It was further observed that vehicle movement was limited.
However, there were a few buses and tricycle operators on roads inside communities, but there were no passengers to carry. Some private vehicles were also seen plying the roads.