ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Enugu State Government has clarified that today is neither a public holiday nor a sit-at-home day, contrary to rumors circulating in public spaces.Â
This announcement comes as police commands in Anambra and Imo states have deployed officers to offices and schools to counter potential threats from hoodlums.
In a separate statement, the Enugu State Government, Anambra, and Imo police commands responded to threats from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who are insisting on commemorating Biafra Day in the South-East today.
IPOB claims that this day, May 30, honors those who died during the civil war from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970, and has called for all activities in the South-East to be banned on May 30.
They have urged regional governors to provide adequate security for lives and property.
Despite threats from IPOB and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), which also insists on today’s celebration, the Enugu State Government has taken a firm stance against declaring the day a public holiday or sit-at-home day.Â
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Enugu State Head of Service, Ken Ugwu, issued a circular clarifying that any worker absent without leave would face summary dismissal in line with the Public Service Rules.
Ugwu emphasized the negative impact such a holiday would have on the academic pursuits of students, particularly those taking the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations across the West African sub-region, including the South-East.
Also, the Enugu State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Aka Eze Aka, reiterated that the government would not tolerate illegal IPOB activities and urged residents and students to continue with their normal activities, assuring them of their safety.
This is even as the government has put in place necessary security measures to ensure the safety and free movement of all citizens and residents within the state.
In Anambra, the police command has deployed the Schools Protection Squad (SPS) to institutions to protect students and staff against any potential threats during the sit-at-home order.
Commissioner of Police Nnaghe Obono Itam has complemented the Joint Security Force with the Army, Navy, Civil Defence, and other agencies to address any security concerns.
The special squad also, is tasked with ensuring the safety of students taking the West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE).
Imo State Police also reported a massive deployment of officers to safeguard lives and property.
Police Public Relations Officer Henry Okoye assured the public that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have put adequate security measures in place to prevent any attacks by insurgent groups.Â
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Commissioner of Police Aboki Danjuma urged residents to disregard the illegal sit-at-home order and go about their lawful activities.
Contrarily, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, expressed a more conciliatory approach, emphasizing the right of people to mourn their dead.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti stated that the government is working with schools to ensure that students sitting for WAEC exams are not adversely affected.
He emphasized the importance of handling the situation with wisdom and diplomacy, respecting the emotional significance of the day for many.