By Oge Onyeanusi, Onitsha
Residents of the commercial town of Onitsha yesterday remained indoor in compliance with IPOB’s sit-at-home order to press home their demand for the release of their leader,Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Gov.Willie Obiano had earlier directed all market leaders, banks and other public institutions to reopen for business on Monday.
However, business leaders and banks our correspondent gathered did not open for business for fear of molestation by hoodlums who hide under the guise of IPOB to rob or maim innocent people.
Gov.Obiano had earlier visited Onitsha Main Market at about 3:15 pm yesterday to inspect compliance of his directive, but was shocked to meet a relatively deserted market, except for the market leaders who were around to welcome him.
At the Ogbaru Main Market, the gates of the market were flung open for business as at 9:20 am on Monday when this reporter visited the market but customers were not forthcoming.
Only a few traders were seen in front of their shops idling away.While others were probably making determined efforts to leave for home as no business was going on.
Some of the traders declined interview and appealed to the State Government to dialogue with IPOB leadership to seek the end of the sit-at-home which they claimed was taking a toll on the people.
Chairman of Ogbaru Main Market, Chief Ndubuisi Ochiogu was seen in the market premises inspecting an ongoing water project embarked upon by his administration.
Chief Ochiogu who regretted low turnout of traders and customers to the market , however, attributed it to fear of the unknown even as he noted that all security arrangements have been provided for safety of traders and their customers.
However,it was a frightening narrative at the notorious Upper-Iweka as weapon weilding youths stood at the Lagos park along the express road.While some of them were smoking Indian hemp with ease.
One of the residents interviewed in the area said those boys were among those used for collection of revenues by the State Government.
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