SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATION OF IPOB’S SIT-AT-HOME ORDER IN SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) sit-at-home order has significantly impacted the socio-economic fabrics of Southeastern Nigeria. The order was declared to press for the release of their leader Nnamdi Kanu who was extradited from Kenya by the Buhari led administration in 2021. The order has resulted in substantial economic losses, reduced economic activities and increase poverty level in the region. Business activities, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, have been severely affected leading to loss of revenue. The order has also disrupted the education sector, causing school closures, loss of academic hours and increase dropout rate. The social welfare of citizens has also been impacted with increase insecurity, fear and anxiety. Every effort by leaders from the region to appeal to these non-state actors to sheath their sword and allow for political and legal solution to address their concerns has proved abortive and these individuals have continuously ensured the total obedience to the order by the residence of the region. The paper concludes that the sit-at-home order has had devastating socio-economic implications for the people of the region and calls for stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The paper recommended the need for the federal government and critical stockholders from the region to engage in genuine dialogue and negotiation towards addressing underlying factors that
triggered sit-at-home order in the region.