The Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has urged arms bearing agitators forcing the people to stay at home on Mondays in Igbo land to sheathe their swords and embrace peace in the interest of all.
Soludo, in his address at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral, Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area during a prayer session organized across churches in the state, made reference to a statement by the Indigenous People of Biafra announcing an end to the Monday sit-at-home in the zone.
He, therefore, questioned the rationale behind the continued closure of business premises and lull in activities on Monday (today).
He lamented that the people and the state were loosing so much on investments anytime the sit-at-home was effective, just as learners were being deprived the opportunity to attend school.
The state, he said, could not continue to operate in that manner. He stressed that Anambra State should be restored to its past glory as home of peace and the light of the nation.
The governor disclosed that the state government had put measures in place to rehabilitate and train the youths on gainful employment, and would set up Peace and Reconciliation Commission to reconcile all aggrieved parties.
He expressed confidence that with the prayers being offered in churches across the state, normalcy would soon be restored.
The Bishop of Ekwulobia Diocese, Most Rev. Ebele Okpalaeke, urged the people to embrace peace, saying that nothing meaningful could be achieved without peace and harmony.
At the St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, said, “There is no doubt that Igbo are not well treated in this country.
“You cannot just be a visitor in a place that belongs to you. Igbo are a big force to reckon with right from independence. Unfortunately, we say we are one country, but some people are not well treated.”
