From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Enugu
Residents of Enugu today failed to heed the directive of the new Governor of the state, Peter Mbah, to come out and go to their normal businesses and end the Monday sit-at-home that is crippling the economy of the state.
Many confessed that it is the fears of the unknown that made them sit back in their homes, though painfully, as they could not trust the government for their security.
Today’s sit-at-home in Enugu is even taking a worse scenario as the roads, markets and even streets in some areas are deserted.
Before Governor Mbah’s pronouncement declaring an end to Monday’s sit-at-home in the state, compliance with the sit-at-home has started dying off as people were coming out gradually and needed encouragement to fully build confidence and courage to fully come out on Mondays.
Today, despite the threat by the government to shut permanently any school, market, bank, parks and other institutions that refuse to be on duty today, none of them is working including filling stations this Monday morning.
Our Correspondent who visited some schools, banks, markets, fuel stations, and Shoprite, observed that the gates of the schools and markets are open but neither students, teachers nor traders are on the premises.
The banks and fuel stations locked their gates, while government private offices are deserted.
Presents of security agents expected to encourage the people to come out and open shops and other businesses are not felt. It is only at Otigba Roundabout that three policemen station a Hilux van and at New Haven Junction by Pask & J, where the Police Parked a car and Hilux and hid inside the fuel station.
All the way through Otigba to Artisan market, through Ọhụụ Road, and through Tunnel to Abakiliki Road, All Saints Roundabout, Shoprite, former Campus Two, to Ohio Road Junction by 82 Division, there was no presence of security agents.