By Okey Okeke
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, Friday, directed all markets, transporters and civil servants to resume regular operations every Monday.
Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had since over five months ago instituted work free day every Monday in order to press home for release of their leader, Maazi Nnamdi Kanu currently facing different charges preferred against him by federal government of Nigeria.
Soludo, who hosted during his inaguration as governor appealed to the proscribed group and other agitators for peace and dialogue, stated in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Theodora Igwegbe, stated that any civil servant or political appointee who absent self from work on Monday or any other working day without approval would be appropriately sanctioned.
The governor in a statement posted on his social media handle said, "I just concluded the first in what would become a regular interaction with Market leaders and leaders of various transport unions in the State. Part of our interaction bordered on the welfare of our traders, artisans, and business owners.
"I reiterated the commitment of the State to phase out the old method of revenue collection. The new method we would deploy, will leverage the use of technology and ensure that a larger percentage of government revenues from this source fully comes into government coffers for effective use.
"We have further agreed with the Market and Transport union leaders to put an end to the "Monday sit at home" that has proven to be counter-productive. Our people are losing productive hours and competitiveness to the activities of criminal elements who have taken advantage of this self-defeating strategy to destroy the economy of our dear State.
"This has to stop and immediately too. In the new system that we are collectively building with the active support of these critical stakeholders, there will be zero tolerance for touting and any form of criminality that seeks to maim, kill or threaten the peace of the people. Anambra must work in our time and beyond," he maintained.