•Insists no state Gov has right to shut down market

By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially announced total cancellation of Monday sit-at-home across the South-East starting from Monday, February 9,2026.

It explained that the directive came from its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently serving a life sentence in Sokoto prison.

The cancellation was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Awka on Sunday by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.

The statement reads In part: “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.

“Onyendu 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.

“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. 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.”

IPOB however maintained 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, saying that any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate the people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted.

It insisted that any renovation, reconstruction, or improvement of markets that involves temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders.

The group insisted that adequate temporary trading sites must be provided before any reconstruction projects commence.

It added: "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.”