The Anambra State Government has issued an Executive Order formally abolishing the long-standing Monday sit-at-home across the state, warning that civil servants who defy the directive will face stiff salary sanctions.
The sit-at-home was originally introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following the arrest and detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently facing terrorism-related charges.
Details of the government’s decision were contained in a letter dated January 22, 2026, signed by the Board Secretary of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), Mrs. Loveline Mgbemena.
According to the letter, the decision was reached at the State Executive Council (Exco) retreat held on January 21, 2026, and presided over by Governor Chukwuma Soludo.
Mgbemena directed all permanent board members, education secretaries, officers in charge of the 21 local government areas, zonal directors, and departmental heads to ensure that the contents of the letter are communicated to all staff and that strict compliance is enforced.
The letter, titled “Executive Order on Termination of Monday Sit-At-Home in Anambra State,” stated in part:
“Sequel to the State Exco retreat held on January 21, 2026, presided over by the State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, I am directed to inform you that the state government has decided that the protracted Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State has been abolished with immediate effect.”
It further warned that any staff member, both teaching and non-teaching, who fails to report to work or school on Mondays would be penalised.
“By this directive, any staff, both tutorial and non-tutorial, who fails to attend school or office on Monday will either receive only 20 per cent of his or her salary or forfeit it entirely,” the letter added.
The board secretary emphasised that the directive represents an executive decision of the state government and must be strictly adhered to.
The Monday sit-at-home was first observed on August 9, 2021, across the South-East as part of IPOB’s campaign for the unconditional release of its leader. Although IPOB later announced a suspension of the order, compliance has persisted in many areas due to fear of attacks and reprisals.
