The Anambra State governor, Willie Obiano, on Monday led some members of the state Executives to protest against the continued sit-at-home order imposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Though IPOB had later suspended the order, residents had continued to stay at home every Monday apparently because of fear of possible attack by hoodlums.
On Monday, the state governor was seen on some streets in Awka, the state capital to enforce the return to businesses in the state as he visited banks and markets urging them to resume normal activities.
At Eke Awka market, the governor asked traders to open their shops.
He said, “The state must avoid giving urchins the chance to take over the helm of affairs. I chose to lead from the front to end this fear of molestation, harassment, intimidation.
Motivated by the governor’s action, socioeconomic activities, including transportation, banking and market activities sprang up around 1 pm in the area in earnest
Obiano had on Sunday threatened to seal banks and punish market and motor-park leaders who would dare stay at home on Mondays or any day so declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra.
He said the sit-at-home compliance adversely affected the Gross Domestic Product and the general economy of the state, stating that banks that failed to open on such days would be sealed for a week, adding that if such banks refused to open subsequently, they would be permanently closed.