Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo has stated that the long-running Monday sit-at-home observed in parts of the Southeast has effectively come to an end, citing renewed commercial and public activities across the region.
The governor made the remark on Monday, August 3, while speaking at an event, where he explained that he arrived about 15 minutes behind schedule after being caught in heavy traffic in Onitsha.
According to Soludo, the traffic congestion in the commercial city on a Monday—a day previously associated with deserted roads and closed businesses due to the sit-at-home—was a strong indication that residents had resumed their normal activities.
“I apologise for arriving about 15 minutes late because I was held up in traffic in Onitsha. Today is Monday, and for Onitsha to experience traffic on a Monday shows that the Monday sit-at-home is over,” the governor said.
The Monday sit-at-home exercise was introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as part of its campaign for the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and the agitation for the creation of an independent Biafra nation.
For several years, the directive significantly disrupted economic activities across many Southeast states, with businesses, markets, schools and transport services often shutting down every Monday due to compliance, fear of attacks, or security concerns.
Speaking further, Soludo said he adjusted his official schedule to attend the event, noting that he postponed his Executive Council meeting because of its importance.
The governor also expressed support for neighbouring Delta State and praised its governor, describing him as a leader he deeply admires.
“I’m here in solidarity with you and our prosperous neighbouring state, Delta. You have a governor in whom I am well pleased at any time. I had to move my Executive Council meeting to tomorrow or another day because this occasion is important, and I’m delighted to be here,” he added.
Soludo has consistently opposed the enforcement of the Monday sit-at-home in Anambra State, maintaining that the exercise has negatively affected businesses, livelihoods and the region’s economy. His latest comments suggest growing confidence that normal economic and social activities have resumed across key commercial centres in the state.
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