The decision to withhold staff salaries for complying with the May 30th sit-at-home order by the Imo state government raises serious concerns. This hypocritical approach punishes civil servants who are often in extremely vulnerable positions, caught between their duty to work and concerns for their personal safety. The government’s focus should rather be on addressing the root causes of insecurity and the emergence of such orders rather than penalizing the affected helpless workers.
The government needs to tackle the underlying factors contributing to insecurity. This involves addressing issues like poverty, unemployment, and lack of education and the continued incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu which has led to unrest and the rise of militant groups enforcing sit-at-home orders. Ensuring the safety of the citizenry, including civil servants, is paramount. The government should enhance security measures to protect its people rather than expecting them to work under both real and perceived threats.
Can Barr. Raymond Ucheoma, the Imo state Head of Service (HoS), drive around Owerri on a sit at home day without security? How come he expects defenceless and unprotected civil servants to risk their lives?
Withholding salaries punishes the wrong group. Civil servants comply with sit-at-home orders primarily out of fear for their safety. Punitive measures only exacerbate their difficulties and suffering, as it impacts their livelihood and their families’ well-being. How much do they earn that they should risk paying the ultimate price?
The government should shift its focus from punitive measures against civil servants to addressing the root causes of insecurity and providing adequate protection.
The release of Nnamdi Kanu is seen by some as a potential means to end the sit-at-home orders that have disrupted daily life in most cities and villages of the south east. Proponents argue that south east governors should come together if possible, to work towards his release which most likely could reduce tensions and curtail the influence of militant groups enforcing these orders. We believe it could pave the way for a more peaceful dialogue and reconciliation process.
The federal and state government’s may worry that releasing Kanu could be perceived as capitulating to pressure from militant groups, potentially encouraging further unrest or emboldening other factions. But then, what other solutions can they proffer?
Ultimately, whether or not to release Nnamdi Kanu should be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving long-term peace and stability. This approach, combined with efforts to address the root causes of discontent, could help to resolve the current crisis more effectively despite how ugly things have become.
Hon. Chima Nnadi-Oforgu
Duruebube Uzii na Abosi
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