Anambra Monarch Decries Crippling Impacts of Weekly Sit-At-Home on South East Economy

By Julie Sylvia, Onitsha

As Igbo economy continues to cripple due to the observation of a non existent every Monday sit-at-home order, the traditional ruler of Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Igwe (Pharmacist)Alex Onyido Ezechuamuagha, has described Igbos as cowards for obeying such order.

Fuming while fielding questions from newsmen Wednesday, the monarch expressed worry that business activities always get paralysed every Monday sequel to a statement from someone who is based overseas.

His words, “Igbos are cowards, simple law they will be fearing. Look at sit-at home, I am seeing them as cowards to obey the non existent Monday sit-at-home order.

“If you deal with criminals in violent manner the way they deal with people without going to court, the family/kindred of such criminals will end supporting violent crimes .

“I advocate that anybody found kidnapping or is involve in cultism should face violence. If anybody is a kidnapper, the person should be dealt with violently. His parents and kindred should stop him.

“The problem of the Igbo is that they are difficult tribe, they don’t want democracy to thrive, they want pure autocracy, an eye for an eye.”

Igwe Onyido, who said that even in churches and other places there were cults, stated that the bothering cult group is that of the youths.

Asked on the recently concluded annual Nwafor festival, the monarch hinted that it was a period of rest after harvest of the farm produce and also a period to herald the arrival of another farming season.

“It is also for those at home and in Diaspora to come together, period of initiation of boys of about 15 years and above, into the masquerade cult, (manhood) to be able to join masquerade cult.

“During this Nwafor annual festival, friends, well-wishers, in-laws, distant cousins and relations come together and interact, make merry, there is a lot to eat and drink and of course masquerades of different types and sizes will be seen displaying the stuff they are made of.

On Igbo culture going into extinction, he reiterated that majority of the people have embraced the church, adding that, “every culture is dying because we embrace the church”

“That was the reason I was out during Nwafor festival to join in the celebration. It is part of reviving the culture of our people. People move around to make merry, eat, drink and feed their eyes.

“My High Chiefs (Ndichie Imeobi) and I were hosted at the house of a high Chief, Chief Okwuchukwu Ugolo, SAN, and other groups and people gathered where they liked and celebrated.

“I made it compulsory that it is palm front that is used as make-shift structure where the bereaved stays during the burial ceremony of a deceased and not canopy, and it is part of ensuring that culture in Ogidi doesn’t go into extinction.