The Abia State Government said it is actively monitoring the situation with leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Nnamdi Kanu hailed from Afaraukwu, a community in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
The IPOB leader is currently under trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja and his state of origin has vowed to ensure that his fundamental human rights, as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic, are respected.
In a statement signed by Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Commissioner for Information of the state, Abia said it has remained in touch with “his family members, other relevant persons and institutions, and receive regular updates through them on the situation.”
The State Government, however, kicked against any move by supporters of the secessionist leader to enforce sit-at-home in the State.
The State said that while it would not stop anyone sitting at home for any reason, it would not fold its hands and watch as people are forced against their wish or children stopped from going to schools.
“The Abia State Government is confident that the judiciary will ensure a free and manifestly fair trial for him and others as they remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction,” the statement said.
“We, therefore, wish to call on all citizens and visitors to continue to be law abiding and avoid any act that might lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“While Government will not compel anyone wishing to sit at home for any reason whatsoever not to do so, as citizens have freedom of movement under the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we wish to strongly advice that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit at home order from any non state actor as doing so does not serve any known interests of the people of the state.
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“Furthermore, compelling our children to stay away from school can only serve the interests of the yet to be properly identified persons who may not want to see us make progress as a people.
“Similarly, our traders sitting at home at a time they need to work very hard to sustain their families and create wealth especially in this era of COVID-19 impacted global economy will obviously not serve any development interest of our hardworking citizens.
“All law abiding citizens and visitors are therefore called upon to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation as adequate security has been provided to ensure their safety.
“Parents and guardians are also called upon to ensure that they monitor the activities of their children and wards with a view to ensuring that they do not engage in unlawful activities that will put them in harm’s way. “
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