SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF IPOB SIT-AT-HOME IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA.

Abstract

The IPOB sit-at-home was aimed at protesting the re-arrest of the IPOB leader and also, agitate for the sovereign state of Biafra. The strategy which was meant to be non-violent appears to have worsened the plight of the south easterners by heightening the state of insecurity in the region. Therefore, this study examined the socio-economic implications of the IPOB sit-at-home order in the south eastern zone of Nigeria. The study anchored on the theory of relative deprivation and the frustration aggression theory. The study adopted on the survey research design. A probability sampling technique was adopted and Anambra state was selected to represent the entire states in south east. Nnewi and Onitsha were deliberately selected using a purposive sampling technique. The sample population of 385 was derived using a sample calculator. Observation and questionnaire were used to gather data for this study. Data were presented in a table and analysed using frequency and percentage distribution table.  Findings revealed that, the sit-at-home order has increased insecurity in the south east and has made commercial and social activities unsafe and un-conducive in the zone. Therefore, it was recommended that the Nigerian government dialogue with members of the IPOB group, listen to their grievances and settle them amicably.