The Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Enugu State Chapter has flayed Enugu State Government over what it described as the ‘worrisome and wrongful activities’ of the government and police.
CLO in a Press Statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Zulu Ofoelue accused the government of highhandedness against the citizens by sealing off their businesses.
The civil rights organisation write in its statement: “On Monday the 24th of July 2023, officials of the state and security operatives purportedly marched around the state capital sealing-up business premises and shops that did not open for business. The excuse said to be given for the sealing was the governor’s earlier directive for the resumption of economic activities on Mondays in spite of the sit-at-home order issued by some elements claiming to be IPOB leaders.
It also accused the police of shooting and killing protesters at Ogbete market, who came out to speak against the activities of government.
“Two persons have been confirmed dead, and many others sustained various degrees of injuries from gunshots”, CLO stated.
It however, hailed government for the steps taken so far to end the sit-at-home menace, but described the sealing of shops as completely illegal.
The rest of the statement reads: “While CLO supports reasonable measures including the provision of adequate security to put an end to the senseless enforcement of sit-at-home orders by some elements in the southeast, we condemn in its entirety, the action of the state government in sealing private shops and businesses premises willfully closed by their owners.
“The action is completely illegal and traders must be allowed to express their rights to trade or stay closed. Enugu State government must not pretend not to realise that most of the people staying at home on Mondays do so out of fear of attack.
“It is the duty of government to reassure residents of their safety and security rather than become an added threat to their lives and livelihood. It is very sad that the action of Enugu State government led to traders to stage a protest which eventually led to extrajudicial killing of their colleagues. Enugu State government should henceforth respect the rule of law.
“CLO feels pained that the Nigeria police, even after the end SARS protests, have continued to use uncivilized, unprofessional and draconic approach to handling civil protests. CLO expects the Nigerian police to adhere to profession code of engagement in their exercise. In the first place, the effect of the Monday sit-at-home is a sign of the failure of the Nigerian police. If the police had been as active in securing lives on Mondays as they did in quelling peaceful protests, these incidences would have been avoided. Moreso, if the police could protect people who protested on Monday 24th July in support of government ban on sit-at-home, what stopped the same police force from protecting those who protested against government policy of sealing their shops?
“Finally, CLO calls on the government of Enugu State to immediately unseal all business premises in the interest of justice. Government should avoid further harassment of traders, business people and other residents in respect of the sit-at-home order. Government should rather enhance security in the state to assure residents of their safety and enable them return to their businesses. We call on the Enugu State commissioner of Police to ensure immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of unarmed protesters and ensure that those found culpable are brought to book.
“The duty of government is protect the citizens, not the destroy them”, the group concluded.
