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By Daberechukwu Egbo

For almost two years, the Southeast region of Nigeria, also known as the Igbo Nation has been constrained by the shackles of a phenomenon known as “sit-at-home” (SAH) imposed on the people by Simon Ekpa, the self-appointed leader of Biafra.

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How can a region be this blind to the negative emotional, personal and economic consequences of the sit-at-home order on its land and people?

A region well known for its strong entrepreneurial spirit, its tremendous industrious sense, its unwavering commitment to hard work and smartwork, now held down with the sit-at-home order.

How can a region be this blind to the adverse effects of this practice on our already fragile academic system, to the gloom it will cast on the education and future of our children and youths if we don’t collectively put an end to it?

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How can a region be this blind to the self-destructive, self-sabotaging nature of sit-at-home practice? A practice that sows seeds of discord, dismay and fear; a self affliction that leaves in its wake a poignant atmosphere of panic and anxiety. It’s not worth it in any way.

How can a region be this blind to the bloodshed, attack, terror and harassment of innocent citizens by hoodlums and miscreants in a bid to enforce sit-at-home, to cripple the economy and kill the region?

We’ve lost lives and properties to chaos and havoc wrecked by this practice.

How can a region be this blind to not only one but numerous growing repercussions of Sit-at-home? Because of this practice the wheels of physical banking, public service, civil service, government/private corporations, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and other institutions grind to a halt every monday.

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I understand this strategy was initially adopted every monday since August 2021 as a noble show of solidarity and loyalty to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

I understand this practice was used as a symbolic means of protesting and a way of fighting for a cause.

I understand this practice was upheld as a strong way of expressing dissent and grievances that need to be heard and addressed.

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But surely, we can see the gruesome havoc it’s wrecking on the economy, security, business ventures, health, education, public service and all other sectors in the Igbo nation. I mean, I for one can see that, I’m sure you can too.

We all need to take a step back and ponder on the consequences of this fruitless sit-at-home practice and its large contribution to dismantling our economy, security, education and peaceful living. We all need to assess this situation rationally and objectively.

Is sit-at-home really effective in getting Nnamdi Kanu released?

Is it productive in achieving our goals for Ndigbo?

Are we making any progress towards our goals by sitting at home?

Is it worth the price of life, misery, economic destruction and loss the igbo nation is paying for it?

Is it fair to the rest of the innocent citizens and families who have fallen victims of the casualties of this mayhem?

When will we realize that this practice has become more of a problem than a solution?
When will we realize it has become a weapon of self destruction and not solidarity?
When will we realize that this practice has now become counterproductive and futile?
When will we realize that if we don’t quicken the elimination of this now, we run the risk of witnessing this practice extend to other weekdays?

The enormous loss that has emanated from sit-at-home can’t be overemphasized.
The Igbo nation has lost lives, properties, business ventures. Cases of health emergencies have been neglected as a result of this.

Billions have been lost in revenue, over $12.215 billion according to a report from the International Centre for Investigative Report (ICIR) and about N50 billion every monday according to the Southeast Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (SECCIMA).

The Igbo nation is on the verge of sinking like the ‘Titanic’ and almost on the brink of getting lost like the ‘Oceangate’.
In this insane cycle of self destruction, self sabotage and self inflicted harm, we’re gradually losing our heroic touch. It’s sad in the way that sad things can be heartbreaking and disappointing.

The Southeast Governors have recently come together to place a ban on sit-at-home and set actions in motion to quicken the death of sit-at-home in Southeast while resorting to diplomacy in seeking the release of Nnamdi Kanu.

It’s very commendable how the government of Enugu State, Ebonyi State and Anambra State are bravely utilizing the strength of Government in banning sit-at-home.

Mcgeorge Bundy wrote rightly in his book The Strength of Government, where he encapsulated (paraphrased) the significance of a strong Government in attaining and maintaining freedom.

Bundy further highlighted the growing need for efficient and strong governmental action in the struggle against various challenges and efforts to maintain order.

In line with exercising the strength of Government, Enugu State Governor, His Excellency Peter Mbah in his many efforts to end sit-at-home invited and held substantial meetings and discussions with security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, media practitioners, town unions, market associations, civil society groups, and various stakeholders who want to promote peace and progress for Ndi Enugu, in a bid to gain their support and cooperation on compliance with the sit-at-home ban.

I remember vividly how Enugu former Governor, His Excellency, Sullivan Chime was criticized brutally for utilizing the strength of Government to enforce compliance with environmental sanitation and sanction disobedience with punitive measures. I remember how harshly he was disparaged and rebuked when he banned okada in Enugu capital, and replaced it with tricycles and introduced Coal City Shuttle and cabs in Enugu. Those policies yielded long term advantages and today, he’s the most celebrated Governor in Enugu State, described as a hero, a man of honor, his name etched on the stones of time. These policies and directives may sound strict at the moment but they have positive, long term effects. Nothing great comes easy, they say.

This is one of the many reasons why we need to collectively promote peace and order by complying with the ban on sit-at-home placed by our Governor. He’s not the ENEMY, of course, we all know who the main enemy is, an individual inciting mutiny and violence, enforcing sit-at-home in Enugu from the comfort of his shelter 4000 miles away in Finland.

We must not allow a barely literate man with juvenile traits and malicious intentions cowering behind the shelter of Finland to manipulate us, divide us, play a fool of our rationality, our smartness, and break our resilient spirit. We must rise against this Finnish external entity and make a choice to act, a decision to free ourselves from these shackles.

Just like the scripture says in Ecclesiastes 3:7, …. “There’s a time to speak and a time for silence…..” As captured in the general summary of verse 1-8, There’s a time to act and not act… In the interest of the Igbo nation, this is the time to speak up and act to save our state and region. We need to reconsider our actions, and come up with thoughtful and diplomatic approaches. Quite frankly, there are diplomatic and smarter ways of fighting for a cause which will be more effective rather than sitting at home., killing our economy and ourselves.

We need to stand with the South East Governors to quicken the death of sit-at-home, we need to wake up and tap into the famed igbo indomitable spirit.
We must not remain quiet while we sink gradually. We must not watch in silence while we die slowly.
We need to free ourselves from the shackles of this self-destructive, counterproductive practice, maka odimma Alaigbo, ndi b’anyi.

Ndigbo let’s be wise, let’s be brave, let’s be smart, let’s wake up to who we are: the strong, clever, illustrious, revered people known for their resilience in the face of adversity.
Alaigbo is our home, let’s protect it rather than destroy it out of blind sentiments.

Ndewo!