ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has said that the sit-at-home directive by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) was part of the beauty of democracy that guarantees freedom of expression and freedom of gathering.
Ikpeazu spoke to State House correspondents in Abujs after a closed door meeting with Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, where he briefed the acting president on the impact of ease of doing business reforms in the state as well as challenges they expect the Federal Government to tackle especially in terms of supporting small and medium enterprises and manufacturing sector in the state.
According to Ikpeazu, government offices and agencies in Abia State opened while businessmen and women complied with the directive either to show solidarity with IPOB or to avoid falling victims to hoodlums who might want to take advantage and loot their shops.
“You know the beauty of democracy is that there is freedom of expression and we also have the freedom of gathering and meeting. My experience in that area is that we have two major cities in Abia, Umuahia was quiet; Aba is calm also, government offices and agencies opened but is up to businessmen to either open their shops or close them at will. Two reasons, one some people want to comply and the second reason is that a few people will want to close their shops for fear that hoodlums may hijack the exercise to loot.
“So in all as long as no life is lost, as long as nobody is molested, as long as lives and properties are secured is it is okay. That’s my assessment of it.”
On the impact of ease of doing business, Ikpeazu said, “Abia is one of the first states that set up a structure for ease of doing business. Today, you can set up industry in less than one week I assure you. You will get your C of O because if we get a wind either by direct contact that anybody wants to do business in Abia, we will come to the airport and pick you up and will personally usher you in through that one-stop shop. So that all that you need to know, land acquisition, licensing will be made available to you.
“We see our potential business partners as the oxygen that will drive the economic life of Abia state going forward and we are prepared to hold them and make sure you establish without stress.”