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By Oscar Okhifo
The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the total and permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, saying the directive was issued directly by its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The announcement was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who said the order takes effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.
The group said the sit-at-home, which was declared in August 2021 to protest the rendition of Kanu to Nigeria and his subsequent incarceration, has now been cancelled and should no longer be enforced by anyone.
According to IPOB, Kanu directed that normal economic and social activities must resume across the South-East, stressing that markets, schools, banks, offices and transport services should operate fully on Mondays.
The statement read in part:
“The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.
“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or molestation.
“Any person in doubt should visit Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm with him. We can no longer hide under ‘Onyendu cannot be reached to confirm’ to persist with our recalcitrance or docility. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!
“There is now no need, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB.”
The group said Kanu had also warned against any attempt to continue enforcing the sit-at-home.
“Kanu has made it abundantly clear that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafran cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and confronted until they are completely defeated.”
IPOB accused some individuals of attempting to instil fear in the region through staged attacks and intimidation.
“Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are. Our people must remain vigilant, calm and law-abiding.”
The proscribed group also cautioned state governments in the South-East against threatening traders or shutting down markets.
“At the same time, IPOB wishes to make it clear that no state governor has the right to threaten, demolish or forcibly shut down the businesses of traders who, out of conscience, choose to sit at home in solidarity with our leader.
“Any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate our people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted.”
On market redevelopment projects, IPOB said due process must be followed.
“Any renovation, reconstruction or improvement of markets that involves temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders, and adequate temporary trading sites must be provided before any such projects commence.”
Calling for unity, the group urged residents to reject fear and division.
“Our enemies have in the past succeeded in instigating crises and planting seeds of discord among our people. We must not allow them to succeed again. We are one people, united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity and justice for all, not just for Biafrans.
“We therefore call on all our people across the South-East to come out tomorrow, open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear.
“The era of Monday sit-at-home is over.”