How Sit-at-Home Was Defeated in Anambra — Retired AIG Orutugu

Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Dr Ikioye Orutugu, says his administration restored Monday trading in Anambra by directly confronting the sit-at-home order, mobilising security agencies, government, and the media against the directive.

Orutugu, who served as Commissioner of Police in Anambra, made these remarks at a thanksgiving service held at St Peter's Anglican Church, Amawbia, in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday.

The sit-at-home order had been imposed by non-state actors seeking to press home their demand for the actualisation of Biafra. The former police chief explained that restoring economic activity was critical, given that Anambra's economy depends heavily on buying and selling. He said residents could not be expected to stay away from markets on Mondays, as the practice negatively affected both their economic wellbeing and the state's security.

"Anambra is not really an oil-producing state. What we know Anambra for is its buying and selling so you cannot tell people not to open their markets and shops on Mondays. Citizens need to eat so there must be buying and selling in Anambra on Mondays," he said.

Sensitisation Campaign Across Major Markets

Orutugu said the campaign to restore Monday trading involved sensitisation visits to Eke Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi markets, carried out with support from the state government, the police public relations team, and the media. He expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for backing the police in this effort, describing the restoration of normal business activities as one of the major achievements of his tenure.

Reflecting on a 35-Year Career

Looking back on his 35 years in the Nigeria Police Force, Orutugu described his retirement as a graceful phase of life, having served the nation faithfully throughout his career. "When I came to Anambra, there was hardly a day you would not hear one bad story or another. I told myself that those negative stories must stop and they did stop," he said.

Orutugu, who hails from Brass Local Government Area in Bayelsa State, said he never lobbied for promotion throughout his career, describing his progression from Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police to Assistant Inspector-General as evidence of God's favour.

Tributes Pour In

The traditional ruler of Brass, Dr Otton-Efebo Shidi, described Orutugu as a worthy ambassador of his people and a source of pride to the community, noting that the retired officer had distinguished himself through dedicated service to the Nigeria Police Force.

Also speaking, the officiating priest, Ven. Jason Onyekagbusi, described Orutugu as a testament to dedicated service to society and humanity. "He is a gift to us, the people of Anambra State. While he was here as Commissioner of Police, we witnessed his good performance," he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (SCID), Anambra State Command, Wan Chongs, described Orutugu as one of the best operational officers the Nigeria Police Force has ever produced, noting his excellent working relationship with his team and his belief in giving everyone a chance to prove themselves. "He is a good planner and trainer and holds community engagement dearly. I pray that he enjoys more blissful years," Chongs said.

About Orutugu

Orutugu, was born on August 3, 1966, holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Port Harcourt and a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Lagos. He served in various capacities across the country, including as Assistant Commissioner of Police in the Homicide Section of the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja, and as Commander of the Federal Highway Patrol Zone 5, covering Edo, Delta, and Bayelsa states. He is married with children and grandchildren.