Cubana Chief Priest fires warning to government traders

Popular nightlife promoter and celebrity barman, Cubana Chief Priest, has condemned the long-standing Monday sit-at-home practice observed in parts of Nigeria’s South-East, describing it as harmful to education, trade, and the region’s economic future.

In a post shared on his Instagram page, Cubana Chief Priest criticised the routine shutdown of schools, markets, and businesses every Monday, saying it deprives children of learning opportunities and traders of income.

According to him, Mondays should be used productively for gaining knowledge in schools and generating wealth through business activities. To challenge the culture of inactivity, the celebrity barman organised an impromptu concert on a Monday, urging residents to reject what he termed a “counterproductive mentality.”

He argued that sustained participation in education and commerce would strengthen the South-East’s economic base and improve its political bargaining power ahead of future elections. In this context, he referenced the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, suggesting that economic strength and unity would enhance the region’s leverage in political negotiations leading into the 2027 general elections.

Cubana Chief Priest also called on the government to actively support schools and markets that operate on Mondays by providing adequate security for students, teachers, traders, and business owners. He further urged authorities to remove market leaders who enforce or encourage Monday lockdowns.

Emphasising that the South-East remains safe and conducive for daily activities except on officially declared public holidays, he noted that many residents already engage in social activities such as parties and street football on Mondays, questioning why business and schooling should be suspended.

He concluded by appealing to the community to stop what he described as self-sabotage and instead work collectively to promote education, enterprise, and long-term prosperity across the region.