sit-at-home policy in Anambra
A serving federal lawmaker has issued a public caution to Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, over the continued enforcement and handling of sit-at-home directives across parts of the state, warning that the policy is inflicting deep economic damage, undermining public confidence, and complicating security efforts.
The lawmaker, who represents an Anambra constituency at the National Assembly, spoke amid rising concern over repeated disruptions to commercial activities, school schedules, and interstate movement linked to sit-at-home compliance in Anambra.
According to the lawmaker, while the security challenges facing the South-East are real and complex, the sit-at-home policy in Anambra has evolved into a blunt instrument that punishes ordinary citizens more than it addresses the root causes of insecurity.
“The sit-at-home policy in Anambra is no longer achieving its stated objectives. What we are seeing now is economic strangulation of traders, artisans, transport operators, and students,” the lawmaker said.
Economic Strain Deepens Across Anambra
The lawmaker noted that Anambra’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most commercially vibrant states is being steadily eroded by recurring shutdowns.
Markets in Onitsha, Nnewi, Awka, and surrounding commercial hubs have recorded massive losses on sit-at-home days, with traders forced to close shops out of fear rather than legal compulsion. Transport services are disrupted, schools suspend academic activities, and small businesses struggle to survive.
Economic analysts estimate that Anambra loses billions of naira each month due to forced inactivity tied to sit-at-home observance.
The lawmaker stressed that sit-at-home policy in Anambra now operates more as a fear-driven response than a coordinated security strategy.
Security Concerns and Public Confidence
Beyond economics, the lawmaker warned that the sit-at-home policy in Anambra risks weakening public trust in government authority.
“When citizens obey directives because of fear of violence rather than confidence in government protection, it signals a dangerous erosion of state authority,” he said.
Residents across Anambra have repeatedly complained that enforcement of sit-at-home directives often comes from non-state actors, leaving communities exposed to intimidation, arson, and sporadic attacks.
The lawmaker urged Governor Soludo to prioritize intelligence-driven policing, community engagement, and visible security presence rather than relying on blanket shutdowns that leave streets deserted.
https://ogelenews.ng/sit-at-home-policy-anambra-soludo-warning
Political Undertones and Governance Responsibility
While carefully avoiding partisan confrontation, the lawmaker acknowledged that Governor Soludo inherited a difficult security landscape. However, he insisted that leadership requires course correction when policies begin to produce unintended harm.
“The sit-at-home policy in Anambra must be reviewed honestly. Leadership is not stubbornness; leadership is adjustment,” he said.
The caution comes at a politically sensitive time, as public debate intensifies around governance performance, economic resilience, and public safety in Anambra ahead of future electoral cycles.
Observers say lawmakers speaking out reflects growing pressure from constituents who feel trapped between insecurity and economic paralysis.
Calls for Alternative Approaches
Instead of sit-at-home enforcement, the lawmaker proposed:
• Strengthened collaboration with federal security agencies
• Community-based intelligence networks
• Clear communication separating government policy from illegal directives
• Targeted security operations rather than statewide shutdowns
He also called for continuous engagement with traditional rulers, market unions, transport groups, and youth leaders to rebuild confidence and restore normalcy.
Government Response and Public Expectation
So far, the Anambra State Government has maintained that it does not officially endorse illegal sit-at-home orders, while simultaneously deploying security personnel to keep markets open.
However, residents argue that mixed messaging and inconsistent enforcement have left many unsure of when it is truly safe to resume normal activities.
The lawmaker’s caution adds to a growing chorus of voices urging Governor Soludo to adopt a more transparent and assertive approach in dismantling the climate of fear surrounding sit-at-home compliance.
The Bigger Picture for the South-East
Beyond Anambra, the sit-at-home debate has broader implications for the South-East’s economic recovery, investor confidence, and regional integration.
Analysts warn that prolonged instability could further isolate the region economically and socially, making policy recalibration urgent.
As the lawmaker concluded:
“Anambra cannot prosper on silence and shutdowns. Development thrives on movement, trust, and safety.”
