Tension Rises in Anambra Over Government Ban on Monday Sit-at-Home

Tension has heightened across Anambra State following the state government’s decision to ban the Monday sit-at-home directive associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The growing unease stems from a combination of residents’ sympathy for what IPOB describes as an act of “civil disobedience” and the group’s strong opposition to the government’s order directing businesses and public offices to reopen on Mondays.

After an executive retreat held last week, the Anambra State government formally abolished the sit-at-home practice and instructed civil servants, traders and business owners to resume normal activities every Monday. The government warned that sanctions would be imposed on anyone who continues to observe the sit-at-home in defiance of the directive.

Authorities also announced plans to establish a task force to enforce compliance across the state.

The Guardian had earlier reported that the prolonged sit-at-home disruptions have contributed significantly to the economic slowdown in the South-East. Anambra State has proposed a ₦757 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year—the lowest among states in the region. Of this amount, the state plans to generate ₦60 billion internally, representing about 12.7 per cent of the total budget. Analysts have expressed doubts about the feasibility of this revenue target amid continued economic shutdowns on Mondays.

Reacting to the government’s decision, IPOB maintained that the Monday sit-at-home remains a voluntary act of civil disobedience. The group argued that no governor has the legal authority to compel citizens to conduct business or move freely against their will.

IPOB further warned that the creation of any task force to suppress willing participants would amount to an unlawful provocation.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB said Governor Chukwuma Soludo, like any other governor, lacks the power to issue directives that override the peaceful and voluntary actions of citizens.

The group cautioned the governor against what it described as threats toward Ndi Anambra and Ndi Igbo, stressing that the people are not enemies of the state and that the primary responsibility of government is protection, not punishment.

IPOB urged the governor to respect what it called a fundamental democratic principle civil disobedience, defined as a peaceful refusal to comply with policies perceived as unjust.

“If businessmen, traders, students, professionals, elders and youths voluntarily choose to stay at home on Mondays as a silent protest against the continued detention and persecution of Nnamdi Kanu, that is their right,” the statement said. “It is not a crime, not rebellion, and not an offence.”