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A bleak Valentine celebration awaits Imo state as more than 18 council areas of the state may be on lockdown, as residents are forced to sit-at-home every Monday in some areas of the state.
This is occasioned by the Monday sit-at-home directive initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) which the separatist group has since disowned but have been unable stop its enforcement by armed hoodlums.
Orlu is the second largest city in Imo state followed by Okigwe. Both Orlu and Okigwe will again be locked down on Monday, February 14, with all public places and public activities grounded for the day.
Findings by our correspondent indicate that it will not just be Orlu town and Okigwe town that will be shut down, but the entire 12 local governments in Imo West (Orlu zone) and the 6 local governments in Imo North (Okigwe zone) will be turned to a ghost town on Valentine’s Day.
Ordinarily, following the level of violence that has attended the sit-at-home exercises, commercial vehicles do not ply the Orlu route on Mondays same for Okigwe.
Valentine’s Day perceived largely as a day for lovers and good friends to hang out, have a good time and catch up on their relationships, is often a major boost for economic activities as eateries, cinemas, hotels and other entertainment and relaxation spots are crowded with fun-seekers who are marking the Lovers’ Day, as Valentine’s Day is often called.
But for these affected areas, there will be no Valentine, as the streets and roads will be deserted, public places closed and social events foregone, to avoid any violent fallout that may result if the controversial sit-at-home is flouted.
It is however hoped that this sad scenario may further cause the perpetrators and backers of the promoters of the sit-at-home to have a rethink and reevaluate the merits and demerits of the now discredited directive.
