Enugu State Government on Wednesday moved to check the May 30 sit-at-home day declared by Biafra agitators in commemoration of the 57th anniversary of the declaration of Biafra republic.
It has, therefore, directed workers to report for duties warning of consequences against failure by any worker in the state.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) had last week ordered a sit-at-home on Thursday in the entire southeast region to commemorate Biafra declaration and honour those who died in the struggle for Biafra republic.
The groups had ordered the closure of schools, markets, businesses, and offices, restriction of movements, and urged residents “to light up candles and pray in their homes during the period”. They also promised sanctions against those who may try to defile the order.
IPOB had specifically warned the West African Examination Council (WAEC) which scheduled the mathematics examination on May 30 and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) which scheduled her convocation to seek new dates to avoid regrets.
UNIZIK management had in adherence to the directive postponed the convocation while WAEC had sort the intervention of governors and security agencies to enable it conduct the maths exam for her students.
Apparently in response to the call, the Enugu state government on Wednesday asked workers of the state to report for duties on Thursday.
The government stated there is no public holiday or sit at home in the state, stressing that it was poised to protect them.
Head of service, Ken Ugwu, in a statement said, “It has become expedient to clarify that the state government has not declared Thursday, 30th May, 2024 as a public holiday or a sit at home day contrary to misconceptions from some quarters.
“May I therefore remind all our workers that failure to be in their duty posts will attract summary dismissal from service in line with the enabling provisions of the public service rules.
“It must be noted that such purported public holiday/sit at home will have far reaching consequences on the academic pursuit of our children who are taking part in the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations holding simultaneously across the West African sub region including the south east region.
“Enugu state government strongly frowns at any calculated attempt to mortgage the future of our children and has therefore, put in place necessary security arrangements to guarantee the safety and unrestricted movement for all citizens and residents within the state”.
Meanwhile, while there is increased security presence in the state capital, schools have taking measures to ensure that their students participate in the mathematics examination.
The Guardian gathered that to avoid any untoward action that may arise from any movement on Thursday, the schools have directed and made provisions for their students to sleep in the school premises on Wednesday night or any place very close to the schools and walk in and write their exam on Thursday.
Mrs Jane Nanji, told the Guardian that her school would start receiving the students from 4pm on Wednesday, adding that “we asked them to bring along buckets, their toiletries and food while we will provide accommodation and other things that can make them safe while the exam lasts.”
