Enugu Streets Deserted as Residents Defy Governor Mbah, Observe Monday Sit-at-Home (Photos)

Residents of Enugu City in southeast Nigeria have defied the state government’s ban on the sit-at-home order, reinforcing the Monday shutdown despite warnings from Governor Peter Mbah.

On Saturday, Governor Mbah had threatened to close schools, markets, motor parks, and businesses that failed to open on Monday, June 5, 2023. His directive came after he had recently banned the Monday sit-at-home exercise throughout the state.

Despite the governor’s warnings, Enugu City was largely deserted on Monday. Areas such as Holy Ghost, Old Park, Garrik, Emene, Eke-Obinagu, Abakpa, and Zik Avenue reported empty roads, with businesses and schools remaining closed.

Filling stations and motor parks were also shut down, and public transport services were virtually non-existent.

While a few buses, tricycles, and private vehicles were observed on the roads, there were no passengers to be seen.

T pplhe compliance level with the governor’s directive was low, indicating that residents were determined to continue the sit-at-home protest, which has been happening on Mondays in recent months.

Governor Mbah’s threat to shut down non-compliant businesses and his deployment of a government task force to monitor compliance did not deter the residents from participating in the sit-at-home exercise.