The Enugu State Government has issued a stern warning to schools, markets, and other businesses that may participate in an illegal sit-at-home order declared by Finland-based Simon Ekpa. The government has threatened to shut down any institution that observes the unauthorized one-week sit-at-home directive, with immediate revocation of their licenses.
In addition, the government has expressed its intention to invoke the provisions of the Cybercrime Act of 2015 against individuals promoting and circulating the illegal sit-at-home order. This announcement came in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.
The Enugu State Government expressed alarm and dismay at reports circulating on social media regarding private school proprietors instructing their students not to attend school for the duration of the one-week sit-at-home order allegedly declared by unknown non-state actors within the state.
“The Enugu State Government is alarmed and dismayed by this development and hereby warns that any school that fails to open and function normally from today will have its license revoked immediately,” the statement read.
The warning extends beyond educational institutions. Market unions and shop owners in the state have also been put on notice. The government emphasized that all markets and shops must be open to customers starting today; failure to comply could result in indefinite closure.
Furthermore, the government reasserted its ban on any form of illegal sit-at-home activity throughout the state. Such actions were deemed detrimental to the cherished values of the Igbo people, including industry, hard work, creativity, and productivity.
Assuring the public of their safety, the Enugu State Government stated that adequate security measures had been put in place to protect lives and property. The government expressed its resolve to no longer tolerate faceless groups or misguided individuals dictating the daily lives of its citizens, determining work schedules, market activities, or school attendance while pursuing their own interests.
“This is no longer acceptable and must be confronted and defeated with every power and resources at our disposal,” the statement affirmed.
Additionally, the state government warned that it would utilize the full force of the law, such as the Cybercrime Act of 2015, to apprehend and prosecute individuals, groups, and organizations intentionally encouraging the illegal sit-at-home order. Those instilling fear, spreading false alarms, or disturbing public peace through the propagation of fake news and falsehoods on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and others would face legal consequences.
The government clarified that its actions were not meant to curtail citizens’ freedom of speech and information, as guaranteed by the constitution.
The Enugu State Government urged the general public to carry on with their daily activities and disregard the unauthorized sit-at-home order. They called for cooperation in confronting and defeating these illegal directives that sought to disrupt peace and stability in the state.
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