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By Oyinola Pelumi Adewale
Abia State government has said that it would ensure that the fundamental human rights of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu are respected as enshrined in the constitution of the country.
A press statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information,
Chief John Okiyi Kalu, noted that Abia was actively monitoring the situation with the IPOB leader, an indigene of the state currently under trial at a Federal High Court in Abuja.
“We remain in touch with his family members, other relevant persons and institutions, and receive regular updates through them on the situation. The Abia State Government is confident that the judiciary will ensure a free and manifestly fair trial for him and others, as they remain innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“We therefore wish to call on all citizens and visitors to continue to be law-abiding and avoid any act that might lead to a breakdown of law and order.
“While government will not compel anyone wishing to sit at home for any reason whatsoever not to do so, as citizens have freedom of movement under the extant Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, we wish to strongly advise that nobody should also compel or enforce any sit at home order from any non state actor, as doing so does not serve any known interests of the people of the state.
“Furthermore, compelling our children to stay away from school can only serve the interests of the yet to be properly identified persons who may not want to see us make progress as a people.
“Similarly, our traders sitting at home at a time they need to work very hard to sustain their families and create wealth especially in this era of COVID-19 impacted global economy will obviously not serve any development interest of our hardworking citizens.
“All law abiding citizens and visitors are therefore called upon to go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation as adequate security has been provided to ensure their safety.
“Parents and guardians are also called upon to ensure that they monitor the activities of their children and wards with a view to ensuring that they do not engage in unlawful activities that will put them in harm’s way,” the statement emphasized.
