No, Mr. Governor, You Can’t Lock Down Onitsha, Environs – Rights Group
Press Statement of the Human Rights Defender Nigeria
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has been urged to rescind his decision to lock down Onitsha and its environs from tomorrow April 1, to Monday April 4, 2022 .
The Human Rights, Liberty Access, and Peace Defenders Foundation (HURIDE), which made the appeal said it would be unnecessary economic waste for the State Government to shut down the entire Onitsha and its environs for four days just because they want to desilt the drainage system and clear refuse in the areas.
In a notice posted in social media platforms, the Governor had given directive to carry out the activities in the four adjoining Local Governments of Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Idemili North and Ogbaru from 7 am to 6pm from April 1 to April 4, 2022.
Consequently, said the statement, which was not signed by anybody that Governor Soludo has approved a lockdown in the areas mentioned throughout the duration.
But HURIDE in a statement signed by the its ExecutiveDirectorDedeUzorAUzor said while the move was quite commendable given the enormous refuse litterring the streets and roads, frowned at the idea of locking down the four local Government Areas for four days.
HURIDE said with the decision the Governor has declared a state of emergency on the dirty environment of the State which is quite commendable but it should not limit or restrict the movement, business or social activities of the citizens.
HURIDE said the activities can go on along side with other social and economic activities, wondering why a Governor that wants an end to Sit-at-home would turn around to lockdown the State and such clearing of refuse can go on in the night.
They said such an order if allowed to hold negates the fundamental rights of freedom of movement of the citizens as well as to pursue their economic activities as enshrined our constitution.
The group also argued that it will trigger off huge economic losses in this difficult times of our country.
They urged the Governor to prevail on those involved in the exercise to go about their duties without interfering with citizens who are going about their normal businesses.
“That is the acceptable norm in every civilised society and our State is being ruled by a civilised man.The era of vodoo leadership is over in the State” said the group.
HURIDE however commended Prof Soludo for his efforts to redress the misgovernance of his predecessor especially the flushing out of touts in Anambra State and his plan to make Okpoko habitable.
31st March 2022
