Anambra State Government has directed banks, traders, transporters as well as other groups and individuals to resume full economic activity in the state, September 13.
Governor Willie Obiano issued the directive during a meeting with members of the State Security Council, comprising all security outfits, and heads of all bank branches in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C. Don Adinuba, quoted Obiano, yesterday, as saying that the directive was informed by the yearnings of stakeholders.
According to him, adequate arrangements have been made with security and intelligence agencies to provide security for the people of Anambra, stressing that all dark spots have been identified and far-reaching measures are taken to end the threats.
The governor noted that compliance to the sit-at-home order affected the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and economy of the state, warning that banks that fail to comply with the latest directive would be sealed for a whole week.
He also warned that any bank that fails to open for business on September 20 will be closed down, while urging the bank managers to articulate their branches and hand relevant information to the Commissioner of Police, for adequate planning and entrenchment of security, as security operatives would be deployed early in strategic locations to ensure that people move about without molestation.
The statement reads: “It is axiomatic that the good people of Anambra have, for the past five weeks, been grappling with a vicious cycle on a grand scale. Some pupils have missed terminal examinations, with all the grave implications for the competitiveness of the youngsters and for the future of our state.
“A number of small-scale restaurateurs have had their entire investments destroyed by these non-state actors for coming out to pursue their legitimate businesses, through which they feed their families, pay rents, educate their children and take care of friends, relatives, associates, and other dependents.”
Since no responsible government would stand akimbo while the future of its people is destroyed gratuitously, Obiano has reportedly held useful discussions in the last couple of days with relevant groups, to allow residents to pursue their legitimate businesses.
“After all, the leadership of the organisation, on whose instructions some persons claim to enforce the stay-at-home order, has since rescinded the order,” the governor noted.
He urged members of the public to report any activity that could lead to a breach of peace in the state.
