Obiano Declares 24-Hour Curfew In Anambra

The Anambra State Government yesterday declared a 24-hour curfew in the state beginning from 8 pm.
Governor Willie Obiano made the announcement during a statewide broadcast in Awka, the state capital. According to the Governor, “the curfew has become necessary due to unpleasant incidents recorded so far, as well as rising tension in the land.
While describing the anger of the #EndSARS protesters as justifiable, Governor Obiano declared that all schools and markets in the state have been closed down, stressing that all large gatherings in any form are banned.
He said that the security agencies are on notice to do the needful, asking them to resist all efforts to provoke them to the use of extreme force.
The Governor called on stakeholders including the clergy, traditional rulers, youth leaders, among others, to lend their voices and help address the escalating situation, adding that the sum of two hundred million naira has been approved to compensate families of those affected by SARS brutality in the state.
According to Governor Obiano, “This is not the time for destructive rumours, but a time to unite and keep Anambra state safe.”
Meanwhile, the 2021 budget presentation scheduled by Gov. Willie Obiano has been postponed indefinitely.
According to Mr Uche Okafor, Speaker, Anambra State House of Assembly, who conveyed the governor’s message at plenary yesterday, said a new date will be communicated to the House.
“Due to the #EndSARS protests and unrest in the country, Gov. Willie Obiano will not be presenting the 2021 budget proposal as scheduled.
“He said he owes it to residents of the state to ensure the security of lives and property, which is more important.
“He said that the government is looking into the security situation in the state to ensure calm and when this is achieved, a new date will be fixed for the budget presentation.
“The Governor urges residents to support the efforts of the government to ensure security for all,’’ he said.
The Speaker commended Gov. Obiano for sacking James Nwafor as his Senior Special Assistant on Security following accusation by multiple sources of his alleged connection with various extrajudicial killings of suspects by SARS.
He said that the accusations were directed at him during his time as the Officer Commanding (OC) of Anambra State SÁRS.