From Stanley Uzoaru, Owerri

Elders Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo have resolved to put a permanent end to the sit-at-home observed by people of the south east on Mondays.

Chairman of the elders council, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who disclosed this to Daily Sun in Owerri said having identified the category of those involved in the activities, which he noted were mostly youths, it has devised a permanent solution to keep them away from it.

Iwuanyanwu said after deliberations at the “Ime Obi” the elders would interface with those believed to be leading the enforcement of the order.

Although he pointed out that they were aware of the divergent views of originators of the order, he maintained that it was not a problem they cannot handle.

The elder statesman while appealing to both aggrieved members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) giving out the orders reiterated the commitment of Nnamdi Kanu, who has already distanced himself from the Monday sit-at-home orders to completely rest it.

Related News

He expressed worry that the enforcement of the order has almost crippled economic activities in the South East.

“This matter of sit-at-home has caused a lot of damage in south east ,it has disturbed so many foreign investors from coming to Igbo land ,there are so many who comes to Aba,Nnewi and Onitsha to buy some goods ,most of them have stopped coming because of it.  So, I surely want to appeal to our people because at the moment, the IPOB has said it’s not them given out the order. They have directed people to go about their normal business on Mondays and that Nnamdi Kanu is their leader. The other man too has said that. As chairman of Ohanaeze elders, I appeal to whoever is doing it to stop because he is also our son.”

He added: “Moreover, Ohanaeze has made it public that Nnamdi Kanu should  be released. Governors of the South East have said so. Even our respected leader, Mbazuluike Amaechi has talked to the President (Buhari) about it. He should be handed over to us. His release will not constitute any danger rather will bring peace.”

Iwuanyanwu also disclosed that Ohanaeze elders have established Council of Business Leaders, a body he said would be responsible for harnessing all the business potentials in all Igbo sons and daughters both at home and in the Diaspora.

The aim he explained is to build robust industries in the South East, thereby creating numerous job opportunities for the youths from the zone which he believed will help reduce crime rate.