Chairman, Senate Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, (NEPAD), Senator Chimaroke Nnamani has taken stock of the implications and socio-economic consequences of the sit-at-home in the South-East zone of the country and called for its cessation.
The former governor of Enugu State who represents Enugu East Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate bemoaned the continuous sit-at-home that has brought the economy and social life in the South East to its knees.
He also condemned the attack on citizens going about their legitimate businesses on account of the sit at home.
Senator Nnamani in a press statement in Abuja said the trinity of Igbo character is defined by igba mbo (hustle), akonuche (cot of wisdom) and njepu (sojourn), pointing out that the sit-at-home is antithetical to the innate Igbo tripartite traits and a betrayal of Igbo interest.
Senator Nnamani, therefore, wants the sit at home discontinued forthwith because of the continuous damage to the economy and psyche of the Igbo people.
He stressed: “Most of our people live on the daily income. Think of the market women who depend on daily earnings to feed their families. Think of students writing external examinations being denied access to the venues.
“How does enslaving our people, denial of means of livelihood add value to our quest for equity and justice? If others reject us, should we also reject ourselves?
“It stands to reason that this sit at home cannot be a way forward. We cannot abandon ourselves.
“In our struggle for equity and justice in the Nigerian federation, we cannot inadvertently inflict more injuries on ourselves by this sit-at-home. Let wise counsel prevail.”
Senator Nnamani also called on all men and women of goodwill to prevail on the protagonists of sit-at-home to restore normalcy in South East Zone.
He expressed abhorrence for any agitation through violent approaches, saying that with the tenacity of purpose and determination, the quest for equity and justice would be realized.
