*Warns Soludo
*Sues For Unity
Beginning at dawn today, Monday, 9 February, 2026, huge, happy crowds are expected to pour out onto the streets of major towns and villages in the South-East as residents comply with the “total and permanent cancellation” of the sit-at-home exercise imposed by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to protest the long-time detention of the group’s leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, by the Federal Government.
Kanu is presently serving life jail in Sokoto Correctional Facility for treason-related offences and others.
Indeed, it promises to be happy moments again as vehicles take up the roads, honking horns and meandering for space in the process; banks throw open their doors to eager customers; traders and customers enjoy the boisterous haggling over prices; students and teachers fill up classrooms –all on a Monday, until today, a long-time rarity!
IPOB stated that the directive came directly from Kanu himself.
In a statement dated 8 February, 2026, and signed by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group said the decision takes effect from today, bringing an end to years of weekly shutdowns across the region.
According to the statement, the order was issued personally by Kanu, whom IPOB described as its “Supreme Leader,” with the intention of restoring normal economic and social life in the South-East.
“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,” the statement said.
IPOB stressed that the sit-at-home order is no longer in force and warned against any attempt to continue its enforcement.
“There is now no need, excuse, or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays,” the group declared. “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 added that anyone claiming uncertainty over Kanu’s position should seek direct confirmation.
“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!” the statement read.
IPOB warned that individuals or groups who attempt to enforce sit-at-home going forward would be treated as enemies.
“Any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command,” the group said. “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.”
The statement also cautioned against what it described as possible “false-flag operations” aimed at creating fear.
“We are aware that enemies of Biafra may attempt false-flag operations designed to create fear, stage attacks, or intimidate our people into staying indoors,” IPOB said, urging residents to remain “vigilant, calm, and law-abiding.”
Warns Gov Soludo
At the same time, the group issued a warning to state governments, particularly Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, over alleged threats against traders.
“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,” the statement said.
It added: “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 such actions must involve the consent of traders and stakeholders.
“Any renovation, reconstruction, or improvement of markets that involves temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders,” the group stated, adding that “adequate temporary trading sites must be provided before any such projects commence.”
Sues For Unity
Calling for unity, IPOB said past crises had been fueled by external forces and warned against renewed 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,” the statement said. “We are one people, united by a common destiny.”
The group concluded with a direct call to residents of the South-East.
“We therefore call on all our people across the South-East to come out tomorrow (today ), open their shops, go to work, and send their children to school without fear,” IPOB said, declaring once again: “The era of Monday sit-at-home is over.”
*PHOTO CAPTION: Kanu…making a point during one of his several appearances in court.
