South East Senator Abaribe Speaks Out Against Sit-at-Home Impact On Economy And Investments

Senator Enyinnaya Harcourt Abaribe, who represents Abia South, has called for the cessation of the enforcement of sit-at-home orders in the South East, asserting that these measures are adversely affecting the region’s economy and discouraging potential investors…CONTINUE READING

During an appearance on Flo 94.9 FM’s program, ‘South East Political Roundtable’ in Umuahia, Abaribe contended that the enforcement of sit-at-home orders is no longer necessary, especially as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has already called for its suspension.

A five-time Senator and former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Abaribe expressed regret over the South East’s economic losses, which have amounted to approximately N7 trillion since the inception of the sit-at-home crisis.

He lamented that some businesspeople in the region are considering relocating their investments to areas like Ikot Ekpene in Akwa Ibom State.

Abaribe disclosed that Nnamdi Kanu personally spoke to him and other Igbo leaders during their visit to him at the Department of State Service (DSS) detention facility. Kanu reportedly clarified that he had not ordered anyone to use the sit-at-home as a means to harass individuals.

The Senator also criticized Finland-based Simon Ekpa for threatening former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim due to his expression of opinions on the Biafra agitation strategy. Abaribe emphasized that he cannot be intimidated by anyone for speaking his mind.

While acknowledging the marginalization of Igbos within Nigeria, Abaribe contended that this situation does not justify some individuals waging war against their own people.

He further criticized President Bola Tinubu for making ministerial appointments that favored other geopolitical zones, and called upon the National Assembly to address this imbalance.

A member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Senator Abaribe noted that the South East received only five ministerial positions, with President Bola Tinubu increasing the constitutionally recommended slots for other regions in the country.

He argued that the President’s approach mirrors that of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who allocated key positions to the South West geopolitical region.

Abaribe also challenged the people of the South East to establish political coalitions beyond the region if they aim to secure the Presidency.

He cited Peter Obi as an example, demonstrating that the Igbos can reach the Presidency through a “beyond-a-zone coalition.”