Enugu State Government has described as as mischievous, the illegal sit-at-home declared by some faceless non-state actors for Tuesday, October 29, 2024, over the unfortunate death of the popular Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, aka Igbo Jah.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Enugu, the state Government described those behind the illegal order as criminals and opportunists who do not mean well for the Ndi Enugu and Ndi Igbo at large.
He assured the people that the state government and security agencies had already taken decisive action that would ensure that anyone found culpable in the unfortunate death of the musician is severely punished, it described the sponsors and promoters of sit-at-home as enemies of Enugu State and the Igbo nation.
The government, therefore, directed citizens to disregard the illegal order and go about their normal activities, vowing to muster all powers at its disposal to protect the lives and property of the people, while the killers of the late Igbo Jah were already behind the bar for interrogation and prosecution.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to reports making the rounds on social media to the effect that some criminal and faceless non-state actors have declared a sit-at-home in Enugu State on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 purportedly to protest the unfortunate killing of the popular Ogene musician, Okezie Mba, aka Igbo Jah, by a police officer on Friday.
“The Enugu State Government once again restates its condemnation of the killing as abominable, unacceptable and totally against the values we hold dear, most especially the sanctity of human life.
“Indeed, His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah, spared no time in ordering a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstance of the killing with a view to bringing the perpetrator(s) to justice. Already, the culprit has been identified and in custody while investigation continues.
“On Sunday morning, a delegation from the state government, led by the Secretary to the State Government and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Victor Udeh, visited the bereaved family to empathize with them and reemphasized government’s commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
“The Enugu State government is, however, not surprised that criminal elements are seeking to exploit the unfortunate situation to cause mayhem in the state, restrict economic activities, and inflict more pain on our people.
“These opportunists who play on the emotions of our people in the name of freedom agitation do not mean well for a people known for enterprise, hard work and creativity. They cannot be our true representatives. They do not represent the values we cherish. They are simply criminals and enemies of Ndi Igbo sponsored to destabilize the region.
“To this end, and as usual, there shall be no compliance with the illegal sit-at-home order in any part of Enugu State on Tuesday, October 29, 2024. Government will muster all the powers at its disposal to ensure the security of lives and property of our people.
“Government hereby charges civil servants, farmers, market men and women, the corporate sector, business and shop owners, schools, teachers, and all workers in Enugu State that the sit-at-homes belong to an inglorious past we must erase from our memories.”
The government equally frowns at any attempt to incite fear and promote the illegal order through social media and other media platforms, stressing that anyone found sharing such content ill be used as a scapegoat as a deterrent to others.
Author: Maureen Ikpeama