The governments of the neighbouring states of Anambra and Enugu have changed their school day from the normal Monday to Saturday.

Though no reason was given for the change, News Express learnt that it may not be unconnected with the disruption of educational and other activities in the South-East as a result of the “Ghost Monday” or compulsory sit-at-home announced by the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to press home the demand for the unconditional release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is being tried by the Nigerian Government for alleged treason and six other purported offences. Though IPOB later suspended the Monday sit-at-home, it has continued to be enforced by unknown gunmen believed to be sympathetic to its separatist agitation.

In Anambra, Saturday classes will commence on October 30, 2021. A Memo in this regard sighted by News Express reads:

“ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNMENT APPROVES SATURDAY AS SCHOOL DAY

“I am directed by the E S to inform you that the Anambra State Govt. has approved Saturdays as school days in place of Mondays. All HMs are to notify teachers, pupils as well as parents about the new development. Quality Assurance supervision and every other supervisions henceforth will hold on Saturdays. Every permission for absent from classes on Saturdays must be addressed to the Executive Chairman ASUBBEB through the E S following due process. Saturday classes will commence on 30/10/21 ie next week.”

Contacted by News Express, Anambra State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, C Don Adinuba, said earlier today, Sunday, October 24: The measure (is) to enable our pupils to learn as much as possible in a safe environment.”

Enugu and some other South-East states which News Express could not immediately confirm, are said to have similarly switched the school day from Monday to Saturday.

This comes even as IPOB has threatened week-long lockdown of the five South-East states – others being Abia, Ebonyi and Imo – from November 5 if Kanu is not released unconditionally by November 4. The threat, if successfully carried out, would effectively make impossible the November 6 governorship election in Anambra.

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