Igbo lawyers urge South-East governors to address sit-at-home order

Otu Oka-Iwu Nigeria, a group of Igbo lawyers based in Lagos, has urged the governors of the South-East region to collaborate and find solutions to the ongoing sit-at-home order on Mondays.

The President of the group, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, made this appeal during the group’s inaugural press conference held in Lagos.

Unegbu expressed concern about the negative impact of the sit-at-home order on the economy of Igboland and emphasized the need for the governors to work together and develop strategies to address the issue. The sit-at-home order has become a common practice in Igboland on Mondays, leading to a sense of insecurity and uncertainty for those who venture out.

“We feel abandoned by the government that we elected to protect us. We are using this platform to call on the government to come to our aid in Igboland,” Unegbu stated.

The group also expressed distress over the security challenges in the country, particularly in Igboland, which have hindered economic growth and development in the South-East. Unegbu highlighted the responsibility of both the central and regional governments to ensure the safety of lives and property.

The lawyers lamented the negative impact on the economy of Igboland, which was previously vibrant with activities in commercial hubs like Onitsha-Nnewi and Aba-Orlu. They emphasized the urgent need to revive the economy and restore its former vibrancy through collective efforts and renewed focus.

Additionally, the group raised concerns about the declining interest in education among children in Igboland, indicating a dangerous trend. Igboland was once recognized for its educational achievements, with healthy competition among states for top positions in the WAEC rankings. However, the lawyers called on the governments in Igboland to take action and reverse this worrisome decline in educational pursuits.

Unegbu affirmed the group’s commitment to the unity of Nigeria, emphasizing that they have no other country to call their own. He urged a return to the drawing board to identify and rectify past mistakes before it becomes too late.