**Monday Sit-at-Home Blues: Anambra Workers Feel the Pinch of Pro-Rata Pay** Nigeria's southeastern state of Anambra has taken a drastic measure to curb the Monday sit-at-home protests orchestrated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The state government has started paying workers' salaries on a pro-rata basis, meaning that those who failed to report for duty on Mondays will receive reduced pay. The new system is an attempt to discourage the sit-at-home protests, which have been a thorn in the side of the state's economy. From February 2026, civil servants are expected to report for duty on Mondays to avoid any deductions from their salaries. However, some workers have taken to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the new system. At the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat in Awka, the state capital, workers have been vocal about their experiences with the pro-rata payment. Some have reported receiving significantly reduced salaries, with one worker allegedly receiving just N10,000 for the month of February. Another worker from the Ministry of Information claimed to have received N3,500 out of a total salary of over N80,000. The Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, confirmed that the salary reductions are a form of punishment for workers who failed to report for duty on Mondays. However, some workers have raised concerns about the irregularity of the deductions, citing errors in computation. While the intention behind the pro-rata payment system may be to curb the sit-at-home protests, it remains to be seen whether it will be effective in the long run. Some workers have expressed frustration with the new system, citing the need for a more structured approach to addressing the issue. As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the Monday sit-at-home protests have left a lasting impact on the Anambra economy and its workers. In conclusion, the Anambra state government's decision to introduce pro-rata payments has sparked a mix of reactions from workers. While some see it as a necessary measure to curb the sit-at-home protests, others are crying foul over the irregular deductions. As the state continues to navigate these challenging times, one can only hope that a more sustainable solution is found to address the root causes of the protests.