Julius Okorie
Anambarians have been told to ignore illegal sit-at-home order that has threatened their earnings and economy of the state.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu who gave the directive, while leading a state-wide campaign on the negative impacts of the Monday sit at home, noted that the people of the state mainly survive on buying and selling and cannot afford to fold their hands as businesses crumble by sitting at home.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe urged the residents to go about their lawful businesses assuring that the state command and other security agencies have taken over the streets, especially on Mondays, to sustain safety in the state.
“Ndi Anambra are therefore urged to go about their various businesses without fear of molestation” he said.
In a viral video of the campaign, the Police command listed markets that successfully operate on Mondays to include Main Market, Nkwo Nnewi, Ochanja and Eke Ekwulobia among others.
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The command further provided residents with appropriate response to those who encourage them to sit at home, saying “Anybody that says you should sit at home on Monday, your reply to the person should be: “Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo”
Sit-at-home order every Monday which began August 2021, across the South-east states, has not only taken its toll on economy activities of the region, but also that of neighbouring states and beyond.
Interstate transportation has also been affected with some transport companies cancelling travels on Mondays to and from the east because of low patronage.
It was estimated that micro businesses within the region lost N5.375 trillion in the first one year of sit-at-home, specifically between August 9, 2021 and December 19, 2022.
This is according to an investigation funded by the International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), a figure which must have tripled since then.
Recall that Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutugu took office on February 10, 2025. He is a fellow of the West African College of Police. He has a Master’s in Police Management and a PhD.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
