IPOB SIT-AT-HOME STRATEGY IN SOUTHEAST NIGERIA: A SOCIO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS, 2021-2023

Abstract

Records abound on the chronology of people seeking for self-governance from time immemorial which is acceptable by both national and international laws. This gave credence to the agitation of the indigenous people of Biafra seeking for independence from the Nigeria government which has met a deadlock. It is based on this unfavorable response received by the people of Biafra that has resulted to the enforcement of a day compulsory sit at home order in the whole Igboland (south east region) as a strategy to further communicate their agitation. This strategy so adopted has its attendant implications on the lives and economy of the affected area and the nation at large which can never be over sighted. In this article therefore, the writer analyzed the economic implications of this sit at home order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on the economy of the areas and of the nation at large. This work adopted a phenomenological approach in its study and guided by the Theory of Social Solidarity. This theory is based on the individuals in a society which allows them to believe they can improve the lives of others. The study therefore finds that the sit-at-home order has devastating effects on the economy of the affected areas and the nation of which its consequences are always seen on the standard of living of the people. It also discovers that the people are always in fear as they are made to be indoors on Mondays and those that depend on daily income to feed have been on the worst receiving end. It finally observes that the order affects companies, banks and government workers in the affected area as they are not expected to be seen at work. The research makes use of primary and secondary sources of data which includes; observation, experiential participation, journals, book of readings, mainline books, newspaper and unpublished project works. The study makes bold to conclude that the sit at home order is drastically affecting both the people of the area and the nation because it affects the growth of the economy. The paper therefore recommends that the Nigerian government should look into the agitation of the people and help in proffering a solution to the issue at stake which will in turn help to revive the already dying economy.