The Enugu State Government has called on federal workers in the state to end their Monday sit-at-home practice, which continues despite its official declaration as illegal. Mr. Ken Chukwuegbo, Principal Secretary to Governor Peter Mbah, made the appeal during a visit to the Federal Secretariat in Enugu on Monday, accompanied by the state Head of Service, Mr. Kenneth Ugwu.
Chukwuegbo expressed concern over the impact of the continued Monday absences on state operations, noting that the absence of federal workers is causing significant disruption. Governor Mbah had declared the Monday sit-at-home, imposed by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), illegal upon taking office in 2023.
“We cannot continue like this,” Chukwuegbo stated. “If state workers can report for duty on Mondays, there is no reason federal workers cannot do the same. The absence of federal workers is giving Enugu a bad image and hindering the delivery of services to the public.”
Chukwuegbo emphasized that the state is not under siege and assured workers of their safety if they return to work. He urged them to resume their duties on Mondays to avoid further disruption.
In response, Mr. Emeka Nwokoro, Chairman of the Association of Heads of Federal Establishments in Enugu, promised to continue appealing to workers to return to work. He noted that previous meetings have addressed workers’ concerns about security, and efforts will be made to further reassure them.
One federal worker, who chose to remain anonymous, cited ongoing insecurity in the South-East as a concern, suggesting that the release of Nnamdi Kanu might help alleviate the situation.
Nwokoro reiterated that the association would keep emphasizing the importance of returning to work on Mondays to avoid further disruptions.
