The Anambra State Government has reduced the salaries of civil servants who were absent from work on Mondays, days previously designated for sit-at-home protests by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This reduction is part of a broader effort to discourage the ongoing protests and ensure better attendance in public service. Beginning February 2026, salaries will be calculated on a pro-rata basis, meaning that civil servants will see their pay adjusted according to their attendance on these specified days.

Reports from workers at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat in Awka reveal anger and confusion over the salary deductions, as many contend that the amount withheld does not correspond to the number of Mondays they missed. An anonymous employee highlighted the drastic reduction in pay for a colleague, who reportedly received only N10,000 for the month after deductions, while another employee received merely N3,500 from an original salary of over N80,000. These significant reductions have raised concerns about possible errors in the calculation of salaries.

This situation underscores the tension between the Anambra State Government and the local population, particularly regarding the state's response to the sit-at-home protests linked to IPOB. By taking such measures, the government aims to deter further participation in these protests, but the approach may also foster discontent among workers, who may feel unfairly penalized for exercising their right to protest. The implications of these salary cuts could affect morale among public servants and have broader effects on labor relations within the state, potentially leading to further protests or demands for a review of the policy.