Imo State government, yesterday, cautioned civil servants against absenteeism from work on the excuse of the Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) sit-at-home order.
Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, gave the warning in a statement issued in Owerri following a letter purportedly written in the name of the separatist group, in which it warned people and schools to comply with the order or face their wrath.
Following the development, most motorists, shop owners, bank workers, among others stayed at home in observance of the stay-at-home directive. The Guardian learnt that teachers did not teach pupils and students who were in several schools as they were directed to go back home.
The Guardian also observed that most roads were scanty in Owerri and its environs, just as assurances of the Imo State government and the police authorities through the spokesman, Michael Abattam, was largely ignored by many persons, who felt that the renewed onslaught of the unknown gunmen at the weekend in some parts of the state, could be extended in Owerri.
“The Imo State government has warned civil servants to ignore any call not to go to work on Monday or be ready for sanctions if they fail to go to work.
“Adequate arrangements for security have been put in place to ensure they are in the office to do their work. This is to inform all indigenes and residents of Imo State that government has not authorised any public holiday or sit-at-home across the state, either today, Monday, March 21, 2022 or any other working day.
“Consequently, everyone is advised to go about their legitimate duties. Civil servants are particularly advised to ensure that they are in their offices to carry out their responsibilities. Those who abstain from duty without authorisation will be sanctioned accordingly.
“Government hereby assures all indigenes and residents of adequate security as they go about their lawful activities,” the statement reads.
“Dear TBOS parents, we have just confirmed that the information about the threat from IPOB is not a rumour.”
“To be on the safe side, therefore, we advise that our learner stay home tomorrow. Physical classes will continue as from Tuesday. The online team will do their best to activate the virtual platform, as much as possible within the short notice. We regret the inconveniences this may have caused. Let us continue to pray for peace,” it added
