Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Monday monitored some markets and also the State Secretariat to ensure civil servants’ compliance with his order to end Monday’s sit-at-home in the state.
Oweleke TV reported on Thursday that the governor declared an end to sit-at-home in the state, saying such orders were restricting creativity, entrepreneurship, and productivity in the state.
The governor, who was accompanied by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, recorded the level of compliance at 60 per cent.
Mbah also visited the Ministry of Lands, the Office of the Accountant General of the State, the Ministry of Finance, and Ogbete Market, among others.
He had also threatened that schools, markets, motor parks, and businesses that fail to open for business or academic activities on Monday, June 5, 2023, would be closed down.
In a public service announcement on Saturday, Mbah said, “This is to inform all schools, markets, retail outlets, hospitals, transporters, malls, and the general members of the public that, in view of the recent ban/cancellation of Mondays’ sit-at-home by the Government of Enugu State, in all nooks and crannies of the state, they have been directed to go about their normal businesses and activities every day of the week, including Mondays.
“The above-mentioned bodies and others alike are required to comply with the directive as adequate security measures have been taken to guarantee their safety.
“Members of the government’s task force will be moving around to monitor compliance. Any market, transport outlet, or any other body that fails to open for business risks being shut down immediately.”
He also set up a task force to monitor compliance on June 5.
Meanwhile, there was partial compliance with Gov. Mbah’s order as there was little vehicular and human movement at the state capital.
At the Government House and the state secretariat, some officials were seen taking attendance of workers present at their various offices.
Briefing newsmen after the visits, Mbah said there was a 60 per cent level of compliance and ensured that the people would come out and do their business.
“We do have the compliance of 60 per cent. It has started today and we issued the statement on Friday, let’s assume that some people did not get it,” he said.
He added that the target of the state government was to see that people were productive.
“Our people are known for hard work and we cannot have people who do not have a stake in the economy to dictate to us when we will go to work and when we will sit at home,” he said.
He urged the people of the state to go about their duties every Monday, assuring them of their safety.
He said the devastating effects of the Sit-at-home were enormous, socially, economically and otherwise.
When the governor visited the secretariat, some civil servants reported working
Some of the civil servants who spoke to NAN said they could not report to work because of their fear of the unknown.
A civil servant, who pleaded anonymity, attributed the low compliance to a lack of transportation and a fear of being attacked.
The worker said they could not afford to risk their lives coming to work, and no one knew when those enforcing sit-at-home orders would strike.
According to her, Gov. Mbah shouldn’t have made the order public as it would attract the wrath of those who initiated the sit-at-home order.
A civil servant who simply gave his name as John said he came early to the bus stop but could not see a bus to convey him to his office.
“I was so scared because I could hardly see anyone around as everywhere was so deserted, and I have no option but to go back home.
“I am appealing to those enforcing the order to reconsider their actions as it kills the economy of the state and puts fear on people,” he appealed.
Another civil servant who pleaded anonymity said he managed to come to work for fear of being sacked and also to register his name.
Peter Mbah took to Twitter to post videos and photos of his visitation today.
He said, “I was pleased to see civil servants on ground at Enugu State Secretariat when I visited earlier today.
“Enugu State is our own and all hands must be on deck to oust the detrimental sit-at-home.
“I shall continue to provide adequate security to ensure that our lovely home is peaceful, secure and livable.
“Today, I went round Enugu metropolis to urge our people to come out and go about their various businesses.
“Ndi Enugu will not continue to sit at home on Monday, the first working day of the week. We should not encourage the crippling of our economy but must work to ensure it is revived.”
