The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the total and permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, with immediate effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who said the decision came directly from the group’s leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to the statement, “The Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026.”
IPOB said Kanu took the decision to ensure the full restoration of normal life in the region, stressing that the move would allow children to return to school and residents to go about their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation.
“Kanu has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our children return to school every Monday and that our people resume their normal economic activities,” the statement said.
Emphasising the finality of the order, IPOB declared that there was no justification for anyone to observe sit-at-home on Mondays, directing that all markets, schools, offices, transport services, and businesses must resume fully.
“This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB. The era of Monday sit-at-home is over,” the group stated.
IPOB also warned against any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home in defiance of Kanu’s directive, describing such actions as hostile to the interests of the South-East and the Biafran cause.
“Any person or group enforcing sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command and will be confronted,” the statement warned.
The group further cautioned that enemies of Biafra may attempt false-flag operations to instil fear or disrupt activities, urging residents to remain vigilant, calm, and law-abiding.
However, IPOB advised state governments not to harass or punish traders who may still choose to stay at home out of personal conviction, warning governors against threats, demolitions, or forced market closures.
It specifically warned that any attempt by Governor Chukwuma Soludo or other governors to intimidate traders through demolition threats or market shutdowns would be resisted.
On market redevelopment projects, IPOB stated that any renovation or reconstruction requiring temporary relocation must be done with the consent of traders and with adequate alternative trading locations provided.
Calling for unity, the group urged the people of the South-East to resist division and external provocation, stressing that they share a common destiny.
“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,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, a separate IPOB-linked group had earlier announced the cancellation of the sit-at-home in a viral video on Saturday, citing an order from Nnamdi Kanu.
Reacting to the development, Kanu’s legal consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, explained that the IPOB leader had consistently opposed the sit-at-home and had called for its cancellation as far back as July 2024.
He noted that Kanu had publicly instructed that the civil disobedience be discontinued and had always rejected any attempt by individuals or groups to enforce it.
Ejimakor added that the latest announcement aligns with Kanu’s long-standing position and should not be seen as a reversal of policy.
