Data shows south-east lost N4trn in 2 years due to sit-at-home order, says Ben Kalu

Benjamin Kalu, deputy speaker of the house of representatives, says “statistical data” indicates that the south-east geopolitical zone lost N4 trillion in two years due to the sit-at-home order.  

However, the lawmaker did not mention the body that released the data, nor the methodology used in arriving at such a figure.

The south-east comprises Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, Anambra and Imo.

Speaking on Friday, at an event organised by the Ndigboamaka Progressive Markets Association in Lagos, Kalu said the Monday sit-at-home order has crippled businesses and also stifled the economic growth of the five states.

The lawmaker, who represents Bende federal constituency, said collective efforts are required to stop the sit-at-home order.

“The existential threat to Igbo entrepreneurship and businesses now is the insecurity and sit-at-home problem in the south-east,” Kalu said.

“The mutation of this problem is largely unfathomable. It is becoming a cankerworm that is eating deep into our collective fortune as a people.

“If I do not tell you the truths as your son, then it will be difficult for anyone in governance from Ala-Igbo to tell you. I am pained by what our dear land has become. We have to be honest and sincere with ourselves. I make a heartfelt plea to every one of you.

“We cannot afford to retreat from our business endeavours. The stay-at-home order on Mondays has resulted in staggering losses of N4 trillion in the last two years in the south-east alone according to statistical data.”

Kalu said the sit-at-home in the zone affects businesses across the country, especially enterprises in the south-east supply chain.

The lawmaker said stakeholders in the region must find a lasting solution to the security challenges in Igboland by collectively addressing them through innovative strategies.

Sit-at-home order was introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protest the detention of Kanu, its leader.

Although the separatist group suspended the sit-at-home in September 2021, there are yet reports of forceful and violent enforcement of the order by suspected thugs in the region.