By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Anambra State House of Assembly, Tuesday, urged the residents and indigenes of the State to support government efforts to discontinue every Monday sit-at-home or risk crippling the economy of Igbo nation.
The lawmakers, who made the appeal in a motion of public importance moved by Hon. Johnbosco Akaegbobi of Nnewi South 2 constituency and supported by Hon. Chukwuma Okoye (Awka South 2), argued that the order declared by a non-State actor would even create more unemployment and youth restiveness if not discontinued.
They commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for taking what they described as a bold step to stop public obedience to the order issued by a non-State actor in 2021, noting that the move would enable Anambra to regain her lost glory, including investors, human and material resources.
Hon. Akaegbobi while moving the motion, argued that Onitsha as a gateway to defunct Eastern Nigeria needs to support the government efforts by operating full time businesses and services as it would boost the economy, create more jobs and stabilise the security of lives and properties.
"We will not allow our economy to die like this. Obeying sit-at-home is suffocating the economy of our dear State. There was a time when our people could not sit for international examinations like WAEC and NECO because the dates were fixed on Monday. We must support the governor and then go for dialogue to achieve our needs," he stated.
Also speaking, Hon. Jude Ngobili of Ihiala 1 Constituency, while noting that the order was not backed by law traced how obedience to it promotes unemployment, idleness and silliness, and urged their constituents to resist it wholeheartedly.
Contributing, other speakers, including Hon. Golden Iloh, Ihiala 2; Hon. Chidi Ibemeka, Njikoka I; and Hon. Ejike Okechukwu of Anaocha II; urged those sponsoring sit-at-home for whatever reason to backout or face the consequences that would follow as the House would support the Executive to fully terminate the practice.
The Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, while ruling on the motion which he described as timely, urged his colleagues to support the government effort to end the practice by sensitising their constituents appropriately.