The tension in Anambra State regarding the mandatory sit-at-home orders has ignited a complex dialogue involving constitutional rights, state power, and the survival of local commerce. Offering a legal perspective on this friction, Ozo Igbonekwu Ogazimora, the Attorney at Law and Editor-in-Chief of SBS Great Interviews underscored that property and commercial interests are strictly governed by established statutes. He said, “Yes, a landlord can revoke. But there are laws guiding revocation everywhere.”
During an interview with Afia News, Ogazimora clarified that although state leaders like governors possess certain powers to manage markets or revoke titles, these manoeuvres must remain within the boundaries of the law.
Legal frameworks exist specifically to safeguard the interests of property holders and to ensure that any state intervention is both equitable and legitimate. Consequently, the sudden sealing of businesses without adherence to notice requirements or due process could constitute a breach of these protections.
Ogazimora pointed out that the Anambra State Governor’s recent strategy of locking shops to penalise those observing the sit-at-home has sparked significant anxiety within the business community.
He argued that since these merchants have entered into binding agreements and paid for their spaces, they possess specific occupational rights. Bypassing the necessary legal protocols to shutter these establishments leaves the government vulnerable to judicial challenges.
Furthermore, the legal expert observed that the presence of both organised and independent groups enforcing the sit-at-home creates an atmosphere of volatility.
Many traders choose to remain home, not necessarily as a political statement, but as a pragmatic measure for self-preservation. This reality places a heavy burden on the government to provide genuine security rather than punitive measures.
His recommendation to the business community is to perform a thorough risk assessment before opening their doors. Owners must weigh their physical safety against their commercial interests while remaining fully informed of their legal standing.
Ogazimora believes that the restoration of economic stability and public trust depends on the government’s ability to uphold the rule of law and protect private property.
As this controversy persists, the intersection of executive authority and the rights of the individual remains a focal point of concern. The insights provided by Ogazimora serve as a vital reminder that a functional society requires a delicate equilibrium between state directives and the legal safeguards promised to its citizens.
If you love political news or like to get more news happening around the globe, use the button below to get more verified news happening around Nigeria and the world today.
Leave a Reply