Independence Anniversary: IPOB Sit-At-Home Directive Grounds Aba, Partial Observance In Anambra, Flop In Imo

Socioeconomic activities in some parts of South Eastern states were grounded at 60th Independence anniversary celebration day following directive by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that the geopolitical zone should observe sit-at-home for the day in place of celebration.

IPOB has before now through its National Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, directed the South Eastern residents constituting Biafra to sit-at-home and never participate in the anniversary in protest for the prolonged marginalization of the zone.

In Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the Abia State, businesses were grounded as business and trading premises were locked up, empty and all stayed away at home. The situation was however, different in Umuahia as there was partial compliance. Police patrol were seen possibly as show of force.

In Anambra state, there was partial observance of the sit-at-home directive along Nnewi -Ikwuluobia-Ihiala axis. There were few vehicular movements in the morning even though there were no IPOB members enforcing the sit-at-home nor presence of security operatives to forestall breakdown of law and order. Further, OPTIMUM TIMES Correspondents observed that most shops were closed, probably in sympathy to the IPOB cause and directive.

Also, in Owerri, Imo state capital, business premises along Douglas road, markets, were opened for business transactions.

While in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, no evidence of compliance as people goes about their businesses.

The popular Ikoku spear parts market is ongoing unlike how it used to be when IPOB gives such order. Almost 95 percent of the informal traders are on with their businesses Thursday.

In Aba, Markets and recreational activities were largely grounded and the streets deserted. A visit to the ever busy Ngwa Road Market revealed that the place was under lock and key. Also, many eateries in the city were securely locked as no customers were seen. Major streets such as the popular Asa Road, Azikiwe Road and East Street were completely empty.

Streets within the suburb areas of the city were not left out as youths could be seen playing football in places such as Ohanku road, Agulanna, Okoro, Ibere and Ibadan streets.

A resident, Mr. Kalu Uko, a second-hand clothes dealer at Ngwa Road Market, told this reporter: “I had to comply with the directive of my leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, because I want Biafra to come during my time; no true Igbo man can joke with this.”