A prominent social commentator, Chief Okengwu, has attributed the widespread compliance with the sit-at-home orders in the Southeast to the region’s lack of adequate infrastructure and basic services. Speaking in a recent interview, Okengwu emphasized that the deteriorating state of infrastructure, such as poor roads, lack of consistent electricity, and underfunded healthcare and educational systems, has left many residents feeling disconnected from the government’s promises of development.
According to Okengwu, the sit-at-home orders, initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as part of their agitation for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, have gained significant traction due to a lack of meaningful development in the region. Residents, already frustrated by poor infrastructure, see little reason to defy the orders, as staying home imposes minimal disruption to their daily routines.
“In many parts of the Southeast, going out to work or school doesn’t feel much different from staying at home because of the constant power outages, bad roads, and the absence of functional public services,” Okengwu explained. “The people have grown weary of living in conditions where the basic infrastructure needed for progress is lacking, so they comply with the sit-at-home orders as a form of silent protest.”
Okengwu further pointed out that the poor state of infrastructure has left the Southeast economically paralyzed, making it difficult for businesses to thrive and for individuals to improve their livelihoods. With unreliable transportation networks and poor access to markets, many residents struggle to make ends meet, which only deepens their frustration with the government.
He also highlighted how the lack of infrastructure feeds into the success of IPOB’s directives, as many people feel they have little to lose by complying. “When people are living with such a poor standard of basic services, defying these sit-at-home orders seems pointless,” Okengwu stated. “The government needs to recognize that without improving infrastructure, people in the region will continue to feel alienated and compliant with actions that disrupt the social order.”
Chief Okengwu called on the federal and state governments to address the root causes of the growing compliance with the sit-at-home orders. He urged them to prioritize infrastructure development in the Southeast as a way to foster economic growth and provide residents with reasons to resist disruptive measures like the sit-at-home directives.
“Building roads, fixing power grids, and investing in schools and hospitals would go a long way toward improving the lives of the people in the Southeast,” Okengwu said. “If the government shows real commitment to developing the region, people will feel empowered to go about their daily lives and reject calls to stay at home.”
As the Southeast continues to grapple with frequent sit-at-home orders, voices like Chief Okengwu’s highlight the deeper issues underlying the region’s compliance. The lack of infrastructure and basic amenities has left many residents feeling disengaged and frustrated, making it easier for them to follow directives that disrupt normal life. Addressing these infrastructural deficiencies is key to restoring confidence in the government and empowering the people of the Southeast to resist such orders.
