Enugu State Governor, Barrister Peter Mbah, Leads Efforts to End Illegal Sit-at-Home Protest
Enugu State witnessed increased activity on Monday as Governor Peter Mbah conducted a tour of various parts of the state capital to assess compliance with the ban on the illegal sit-at-home protest declared by certain non-state actors.
During his tour, Governor Mbah visited key locations, including Spar Mall, Roban Stores at Bisalla Road, Market Square, Shoprite, Zenith Bank at Ogui Road, Celebrities, Ogbete Market, Garki Awkunanaw Market, Mayor Market, Abakpa Market, and the State Secretariat, among others. The governor expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance in most places.
Traders and residents in Enugu conveyed their weariness with the sit-at-home practice, describing it as detrimental to their businesses and household economies. They lamented the loss of over N10 billion each Monday that the protest continued.
Governor Mbah emphasized that adequate security measures had been put in place, leading to a significant decrease in incidents of violence since the ban was implemented in June.
Speaking directly to the traders, Governor Mbah sternly warned against continuing the sit-at-home on Mondays, stating that those who persist in doing so risk losing their shops to more serious-minded businessmen. He stressed the importance of rejecting the practice to safeguard employment, economy, and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth.
To enforce compliance, the governor announced plans to revisit the state next Monday, accompanied by the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority, to seal any shop found locked due to the illegal sit-at-home protest. Such actions will result in the revocation of shop licenses and reallocation to those willing to conduct business.
Market leaders and business owners expressed their commitment to full compliance, assuring the governor that they were ready to put an end to the Monday sit-at-home. The President of Enugu State Amalgamated Traders Association, Comrade Stephen Aniagu, pledged that all shops would be open from the coming Monday, indicating their readiness to resume full business operations.
Development economist Richard Emeka Ezeh praised Governor Mbah’s dedication to ending the sit-at-home protest, acknowledging the significant economic losses caused by the practice. He urged the governor to continue engaging the public through town hall meetings to raise awareness and encourage participation in economic activities.
In response to the governor’s efforts, Chioma Nwagu expressed support, emphasizing that the sit-at-home protest was detrimental to the economy. She stressed the necessity for people to resume their regular business activities to sustain their livelihoods and contribute to the overall economic growth of the state.
