The Nigerian Army has assured the Anambra state government of collaborative efforts to return Monday’s economic activities fully in the state.
Col. Bitrus Madaki Yakubu, new Commander of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Nigerian Army, Onitsha, Anambra state, made the disclosure when some journalists in the state paid him a familiarisation visit on Wednesday.
Yakubu, flanked by the Commanding Officer 14 Field Engineering Regiment, Lt.-Col. Eric Kpamber said Anambra and other states in the South East region have lost trillions of naira since the observation of sit-at-home on Mondays in the area in 2021.
He said trading activities in the Onitsha Main Market, the largest in Africa, had particularly reduced its booming recognition.
“The army is ready and willing with other security agencies to partner with the state government to ensure free movements, markets fully open and other economic activities thriving again on Mondays.
Yakubu, who was not new in the Anambra terrain, having served in the same command between 2009-2010 and left for further assignments, then returned and assured adequate protection of the Anambra state professionally and discipline, but called for support from the citizens of the state to achieve its objectives.
“Security is everybody’s business. If you see something, say something, we are here for you to work as a team,” he said.
The commander also called for the media’s support, “let synergise and cooperate, with the narrative sensitise the public on daily basis.”
The journalists’ team led by Mr Emmanuel Ndukuba, former Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra state council, welcomed the Commander to the state, and assured him full cooperation in his new position.
Recalled that the South-east region has lost an estimated N7.6 trillion in four years because the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) keeps forcing people to stay home on Mondays, according to a new report by SBM Intelligence.
SBM Intelligence titled the report ‘Four Years of Disruption’. The report shows how a protest that started to demand freedom for IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has become a long-lasting economic and humanitarian crisis. The crisis includes violence, fear, and destroyed jobs.
In most parts of Abia, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, and Anambra states (which make up the south-east), SBM said Mondays now have no business activity. Streets stay empty and businesses remain closed.
People stay home not just because they support the cause, but also because violent groups attack anyone who tries to work on Mondays, the report said.
“The sit-at-home protests, enforced by IPOB since 2021, have transformed from a symbolic act of dissent into a protracted crisis with devastating socioeconomic and security consequences for Southeast Nigeria,” the report reads.
“The region has suffered staggering losses, including N7.6 trillion in economic damage, 776 fatalities, and systemic disruptions to education, governance, and livelihoods.
