Abstract
The Sit-at-Home (SAH) order is a form of civil disobedience that involves individuals or groups voluntarily staying indoors as a means of protest. It has become a prevalent form of protest in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria, where it is usually observed on Mondays, in response to calls from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the continued detention of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by the Department of State Service (DSS) and the perceived marginalization of the South-East region in the national politics. The SAH order has significant implications for the economy of the region. The order has led to a significant reduction in economic activities in the region, affected businesses, markets, and has led to loss of income for individuals and businesses (both large and small businesses, with small businesses being the significant mainstay of the region's economy). The SAH order has also affected transportation, as many commercial vehicles do not operate on SAH days, leading to a reduction in movement of goods and services. The SAH order has also led to a decline in investor confidence in the region and the uncertainty and insecurity caused by the SAH order have made investors wary of investing in the region. This has led to a reduction in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and has also affected the flow of capital into the region. Based on the foregoing, the study analyzed how the SAH order and compliance have affected overall economy activities in the South eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo, since its commencement in 2020. The study adopted the social movement theory and relied on data collected from secondary sources. The study found that the SAH order and compliance has led to a reduction in economic activities, a decline in investor confidence, poverty, sufferings, fear and despair. It has also affected the tourism industry which is an essential part of the economy in the region. Among several other recommendations, the study recommended that there is a need for dialogue between the federal government and secessionist group to find a lasting solution to the issues causing the SAH order. Other standout recommendations are that the Federal Government should adequately incorporate the region in governmental positions at the federal level, engage in more federal projects in the region, create
employment for the teeming unemployed youths in the region and quickly release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention.