Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has threatened to seize any shop locked by its owner as a result of Biafara’s sit-at-home order.
He told residents of the state to ignore the sit-at-home order issued by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and go about their lawful businesses.
Umahi issued the warning, Saturday, during a live broadcast to mark his six years in office in Abakaliki, adding that the directive of IPOB was an act of foolishness.
He warned that any trader that refuses to open his or her store on Monday would forfeit it insisting that nobody can stop the movement of Ebonyi people in the State.
“On Monday, markets must be fully operational. Anybody that the store is not opened, will forfeit the store. I ask the security agencies to massively deploy security people to protect Ebonyians everywhere.
“This no movement order is foolishness. We will not go into any form of slavery. There will be free movement throughout today, tomorrow, and ongoing.
“I challenged the youths, the local government Chairmen and the politicians, the stakeholders, the security agencies to ensure that nobody is molested and I have banned any form of procession or gathering till further notice in Ebonyi state”.
“You should not be outside the country and be vomiting rubbish. Freedom fighters should come down to the Southeast, let’s discuss”, Umahi stated.
He also warned Southeast youths not to be used to cause crises in the state
“They should not confront security agencies. Agitation doesn’t mean killing security agencies,” he added.
Umahi while appreciating the late Gen. Sani Abacha for the creation of Ebonyi State said the six years of his administration have been so challenging.
“These six years have been very challenging; the devaluation of the naira and turbulent economy. God has never left us. We must thank the late Gen. Sani Abacha for the creation of Ebonyi State.
“We are deeply indebted to him. The spirits of our founding fathers are devoid of selfishness. We thank our founding fathers. Without them, we will not be celebrating today.
“The dreams of our founding fathers have been realized. From November, we will roll out our drums to celebrate. We are postponing it to November,” he said.
