The Senate has turned down a motion seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The motion, presented by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West), aimed to address the disruptive sit-at-home orders enforced by unknown gunmen in the South-East region.
Joining forces with other lawmakers from the South-East, Senator Izunaso expressed deep concern over the escalating consequences of the continuous civil disobedience actions. The senators were acutely aware of the devastating toll this had taken on innocent lives, with thousands lost since the protests began.
Additionally, the region’s economy suffered immense losses, with properties worth over a trillion destroyed and investors fleeing the area.
The sit-at-home protests had a crippling effect on economic activities, leading to substantial financial losses for businesses, workers, and the local economy. The forced closure of businesses resulted in decreased productivity and income, affecting livelihoods and hindering economic growth.
Furthermore, the protests severely impacted education, with disrupted classes and academic delays. The long-term consequences on students’ learning outcomes and educational development were a matter of concern for the lawmakers.
Disturbingly, essential public services such as healthcare, transportation, and waste disposal were also severely disrupted during these protests, posing serious threats to the well-being and safety of the general population in the South-East.
The initial sit-at-home order had been declared by IPOB in August 2021, demanding the release of Nnamdi Kanu. Although the separatist group eventually suspended the order, a faction led by Simon Ekpa continued to enforce the protest in the region, defying the suspension by the main IPOB faction under Kanu.
Tragically, residents of Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia, and Anambra – the five South-East states – have become victims of violence, facing attacks and loss of life due to non-compliance with the sit-at-home order imposed by the gunmen.
The Senate’s decision not to release Nnamdi Kanu has added complexity to the already challenging situation in the South-East, as the region grapples with the fallout from prolonged civil disobedience actions.
