June 5, 2023

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State on Monday visited the State Secretariat to monitor civil servant’s compliance to Government order to vacate Monday’s sit-at-home.

The governor, who was accompanied by the Secretary to State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, recorded the level of compliance to 60 per cent.

Mbah also visited the Ministry of lands, Office of the Accountant General of the State, Ministry of Finance and Ogbete market among others.

Mbah had on Thursday declared end to Monday’s sit-at-home in Enugu saying it kills the spirit of entrepreneurship, commerce and creativity among the residents of the state.

He had also threatened to ban schools, markets, retail outlets, hospitals, transporters, malls that continued obeying sit-at-home order after its cancellation in the state.

He also set up a task force to monitor compliance on June 5.

Meanwhile, that there was partial compliance to the Gov. Mbah’s order as there was few vehicular and human movement in the state capital.

At the Government House and the state secretariat, some officials were seen taking attendance of workers present at their various offices.

Briefing newsmen after the visits, Mbah said there was 60 per cent level of compliance and ensured that the people would come out and do their businesses.

“We do have the compliance of 60 per cent. It has started today and we issued the statement on Friday, let’s assume that some people did not get it,” he said.

He added that the target of the state government was to see that people were productive.

“Our people are known for hard work and we cannot have people who do not have a stake to the economy to dictate to us when we will go to work and when we will sit at home,” he said.

He urged the people of the state to go about their duties every Monday , assuring them of their safety.

He said the devastating effects of the Sit-at-home was enormous, socially, economically and otherwise.

When governor visited the secretariat, some civil servants reported to work

Some of the civil servants who spoke to NAN said they could not report to work because of the fear of the unknown.

A civil servant, who pleaded anonymity, attributed the low compliance to lack of transportation and fear of being attacked.

The worker said it could not afford to risk life coming to work and no one knew when those enforcing sit-at-home order would strike.

According to her, Gov. Mbah shouldn’t have made the order public as it will attract the wrath of those who initiated the sit-at-home order.

A civil servant who simply gave his name as John said he came early at the bus stop but could not see a bus to convey him to his office.

“I was so scared because I could hardly see anyone around as everywhere was so deserted and I have no option than to go back home.

“I am appealing to those enforcing the order to reconsider their actions as it kills the economy of the state and put fear on people,” he appealed.

Another civil servant who pleaded anonymity said he managed to come to work for fear of being sacked and also to register his name.

He acknowledged that his office was almost empty as many staff did not report to work. (NAN)