Amanze Chinonye
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the permanent cancellation of its weekly Monday sit-at-home order across Nigeria’s South-East, following a directive from its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The group said the decision, which takes immediate effect, was aimed at restoring normal economic and social activities, including schooling, commercial operations and public movement across the region.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group said Kanu gave a clear instruction that the sit-at-home, which had been in place since 2021, should be brought to a definitive end. IPOB urged residents to open markets, attend school and go about their lawful activities without fear.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Monday sit-at-home was initially introduced as a protest against Kanu’s arrest, extradition and continued detention on terrorism-related charges. Over the years, the order significantly disrupted economic activities in the South-East, with state governments, business groups and civil society organisations estimating billions of naira in weekly losses. In Anambra State alone, officials previously put the economic cost at about ₦8 billion every Monday.
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Despite repeated announcements suspending or modifying the exercise in the past, compliance remained inconsistent, while enforcement was often accompanied by violence, intimidation, arson and attacks on public and private facilities. IPOB has repeatedly denied involvement in such acts, attributing them to criminal elements and infiltrators.
The latest announcement follows the circulation of a video message in which a man said to be conveying Kanu’s directive described last week’s sit-at-home as a one-off action linked to an alleged crackdown on traders at a local market. IPOB stressed that no further sit-at-home should be observed under any circumstances.
However, uncertainty remains over full compliance, as splinter groups linked to Finland-based Simon Ekpa have publicly rejected the directive in the past, underscoring longstanding internal divisions within the separatist movement.
Observers say the latest move represents one of IPOB’s most definitive attempts to end the controversial weekly shutdown, amid hopes it could ease economic pressure and reduce security tensions in the South-East.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
