Governor Charles Soludo says the long-running Monday sit-at-home in southeastern Nigeria has effectively come to an end, pointing to increased economic activity in Anambra State as evidence.
Speaking on Monday, August 3, Soludo said he arrived late to an event after being caught in traffic in Onitsha—something he described as unusual for a Monday during the period when the sit-at-home order was widely observed.
He said:
“I’m sorry I came in about 15 minutes late because I was stuck in traffic at Onitsha. Today is a Monday, and to have traffic at Onitsha on a Monday, the Monday sit-at-home is over.”
The Monday sit-at-home began after the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) declared it as part of its campaign for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and the pursuit of Biafra’s self-determination. Over time, the action significantly disrupted economic and social activities across parts of the Southeast, although IPOB has at various times stated it suspended the weekly directive, with enforcement often attributed to criminal elements.
Soludo also used the occasion to express support for neighboring Delta State and praised its governor, saying:
“I’m here in solidarity with you and my rich neighbour, Delta State. You have a governor in whom I’m well pleased any day, anytime.”
He added that he had rescheduled his Anambra State Executive Council meeting to attend the event.
While Soludo’s remarks reflect his assessment that normal Monday activities have largely resumed in Anambra, security conditions and levels of compliance with the sit-at-home have varied across different states in the Southeast over time.