Date: March 26, 2026 l Reporter: Mr Iwuh
The Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, has issued a strong warning to civil servants across the state, declaring that any worker not present at their desk by 10:00 a.m. risks immediate dismissal, in what signals a sweeping crackdown on absenteeism within the public service.
The directive, which has sparked widespread reactions, underscores the governor’s determination to enforce discipline and restore productivity in government offices. According to reports, Soludo made it clear that lateness and absenteeism will no longer be tolerated, emphasizing that public servants must adhere strictly to official working hours or face severe consequences.
The governor’s statement—“If they’re not at their desks by 10am, they’re gone”—has quickly gained traction, highlighting the administration’s hardline stance on improving efficiency and accountability in the state workforce.
This latest move forms part of a broader push by the Soludo administration to address declining work ethics and enforce reforms in Anambra’s public sector. Since assuming office, the governor has repeatedly stressed the importance of discipline and commitment among government employees, arguing that poor attendance and inefficiency undermine governance and service delivery.
The warning also comes amid ongoing efforts by the state government to combat the long-standing “sit-at-home” culture in the South-East, which has significantly disrupted economic and administrative activities. The policy, originally linked to separatist agitation, has contributed to reduced workforce attendance on certain days, prompting stricter enforcement measures by authorities.
Observers say the governor’s latest directive could lead to a major shake-up within the civil service if implemented fully, potentially affecting hundreds of workers who fail to comply with the new expectations. While some residents have welcomed the move as necessary to improve governance, others have raised concerns about its impact, especially in areas where insecurity and fear have affected daily commuting.
As enforcement looms, civil servants across Anambra State now face a clear ultimatum: comply with strict attendance rules or risk losing their jobs, marking one of the most aggressive administrative reforms in the state’s recent history.