Mandatory Sit-at-home Order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Economic Activities in South East, Nigeria

Abstract

In reaction to the Federal Government of Nigeria's prolonged arrest and detention of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, the group in the Southeast issued a Monday sit-athome order, effectively grounding the region economically. This study examined the effect of mandatory closure of markets on Mondays by IPOB and its economic implications in Southeast, Nigeria. A survey research design was adopted for the study, with a population of 250 which doubled as a sample size due to the limited number. A questionnaire was the only instrument of data collection used. Collected data were analyzed with the regression technique at a 5% level of significance. The study uncovered that the sit-at-home order has a huge hostile effect on the economic activities in the southeast, Nigeria. The study recommended that the regional government (South-eastern), religious bodies, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders, should diplomatically and politically engage the central government of Nigeria for the release of the IPOB leader; the Federal government should adopt all-inclusive governance as this will return full economic activities to the zone.