“Soludo Storms Anambra Secretariat, Threatens Mass Sack Over Absenteeism, Vows to Crush ‘Saboteurs’”

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to civil servants over lateness and absenteeism, threatening to dismiss any worker not found at their duty post during official hours.

The governor’s directive followed an unannounced inspection of the state secretariat, where he discovered widespread absenteeism across several offices.

The visit, captured in a video released by the Anambra State New Media team, showed numerous empty desks well into working hours.

A visibly displeased Soludo questioned officials present, demanding explanations for their colleagues’ absence and signalling a zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline in the public service.

“By 10 a.m., if they are not in their seats, we don’t need them!” the governor declared during the inspection.

The development comes amid increasing scrutiny of productivity within state institutions, with critics frequently citing poor work ethic and lack of accountability among public workers.

Sources indicated that the unscheduled visit caught many employees off guard, triggering panic across departments as the governor moved from office to office.

The latest warning is part of a broader push by the Soludo administration to enforce discipline and boost economic activity in the state.

Earlier in January, the governor took a hardline stance against the persistent Monday sit-at-home compliance by some traders and residents, describing the practice as a “calculated economic sabotage” aimed at undermining Anambra’s commercial viability.

In a recent address, Soludo accused unnamed actors of deliberately attempting to cripple major economic hubs such as Onitsha and Nnewi through continued observance of the directive, despite repeated government warnings.

“It’s now calculated economic sabotage to bring down Onitsha, to bring down Nnewi, to bring down the economy of the state,” he said.

He stressed that his administration would not tolerate actions capable of stifling growth, vowing decisive action to restore normalcy and protect the state’s economy.

“You can do that with any other person, but not with this governor standing here,” Soludo added.

As part of enforcement efforts, the government recently ordered the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market to compel compliance with directives against the sit-at-home order linked to secessionist agitations and calls for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Reaffirming his administration’s resolve, the governor declared that efforts were underway to reclaim the state from what he described as forces of fear and lawlessness.

“We are determined on behalf of the Anambra people. We must take back our state whatever it costs,” he said.
Soludo also assured residents of improved security, noting that intensified operations against criminal elements were ongoing across the state.

“Anambra is currently, without any doubt, one of the safest states in Nigeria,” he asserted, adding that security agencies were sustaining pressure on criminal networks.