The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has criticised the Anambra State Government’s decision to pay civil servants on a pro-rata basis for failing to report to work on Mondays, describing it as a “declaration of war” against the people.
In a statement released on Sunday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the weekly sit-at-home is a lawful and peaceful form of protest, not a criminal activity. He explained that the action symbolises solidarity with the group’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Powerful insisted that no governor has the authority to force citizens to open businesses or move about against their will, stressing that the sit-at-home is a voluntary and non-violent expression of collective conscience. He accused the state government of harassing residents instead of addressing the deep-rooted grievances fuelling agitation in the region.
According to him, attempts to treat the protest as misconduct or to compel participation in work through enforcement measures would cross a “red line.” He maintained that while IPOB does not force anyone to stay at home, the government equally has no right to compel people to go out.
The reaction followed Anambra State Government’s announcement that, starting from February 2026, civil servants’ salaries would be calculated based on a 24-working-day month, with pay deducted for absences on Mondays. The Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, said the decision was taken to curb absenteeism, noting that the original reasons for the sit-at-home no longer exist.
Mefor explained that continued absence disrupts government operations, affects revenue generation, and slows economic activities. He added that although civil service rules permit dismissal for persistent absenteeism, the government opted for salary deductions as a fairer approach.
He also disclosed that discussions are ongoing with market leaders to encourage traders to resume business on Mondays, alongside improved security arrangements to restore confidence.
However, IPOB reaffirmed that the sit-at-home remains a voluntary act of civil resistance rooted in historical injustices and urged the state government to withdraw threats of sanctions against residents.
