Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has threatened banks, traders, and other corporate organisations that the state government will forfeit their businesses if they obey IPOB’s sit-at-home order.

IPOB had fixed Monday every week for its sit-at-home protest.

Mr Umahi gave the directive in a statement on Sunday issued by Kenneth Igwe, Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

According to him, civil servants, corporate organisations, and other workers who failed to report for work will lose their jobs and businesses.

“Similarly, any shop or bank that failed to open for business on Monday stands the risk of losing the right to operate business or banking operations in the state,” the statement warned. “The general public is by this announcement advised to go about their normal businesses without fear.”

It added, “Security agencies have been directed to patrol 24 hours in all corners of the state. All concerned are to take note and adhere strictly to this government directive.”

The governor had issued a similar directive two weeks ago, accusing civil servants of using the so-called IPOB order to stay away from work.

“I have therefore directed that any civil servant who is absent from work is automatically sacked, and those absent in any of our construction sites would also be sacked,” he had warned. “Any shop or stall in Ebonyi that does not open for business will lose its right of occupancy, and I want this directive to be widely publicised.”

(NAN)