The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the permanent cancellation of the long-standing Monday sit-at-home order across the South-East region of Nigeria.
The decision, which takes effect from Monday, February 9, 2026, represents a major turning point in the organization’s engagement with the public and its approach to civil directives in the region.
In a statement released to the public, IPOB confirmed that the instruction came directly from its leader, Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
He reportedly emphasized that residents of the South-East should return to their normal routines without fear, coercion, or intimidation.
According to the group, schools are to reopen fully, markets should operate without restriction, and workers are encouraged to resume their duties as usual.
The announcement was conveyed by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who made it clear that the era of mandatory Monday shutdowns has come to an end.
He stressed that the sit-at-home directive is no longer part of the group’s strategy and warned that any individual or group attempting to enforce it would be acting against the express instructions of the IPOB leadership.
For years, the Monday sit-at-home order had shaped life in the South-East, often bringing economic activities to a halt at the start of every week.
Businesses, transport services, schools, and government offices were frequently shut down, leading to financial losses, disrupted education, and heightened tension in many communities.
The cancellation of the directive is therefore being seen by many residents as a significant relief.
IPOB also raised concerns about possible attempts by opponents or criminal elements to exploit the announcement for personal gain or to create instability.
The group warned of potential false-flag operations, noting that such acts could be aimed at misleading the public or discrediting the organization.
Residents were advised to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding while going about their daily activities.
Addressing traders and business owners directly, IPOB stated that no state government or political authority has the right to threaten, harass, or forcibly close markets under the pretext of compliance.
The group insisted that economic participation is a personal choice and that traders must not be punished for deciding how and when to conduct their businesses.
The statement further clarified that any proposed market renovation, relocation, or redevelopment must follow due process.
According to IPOB, affected stakeholders should be consulted in advance, and alternative trading locations must be provided before any construction or restructuring begins.
This, the group said, is essential to prevent unnecessary hardship for traders who rely on daily sales for survival.
Parents were also urged to ensure that their children return to school immediately. IPOB highlighted the long-term consequences of disrupted education, noting that prolonged school closures could negatively affect academic progress and future opportunities for young people across the region.
The organization called on communities to prioritize learning, stability, and social order.
Observers say the decision to cancel the sit-at-home order may help ease tensions between residents, security agencies, and local authorities.
It could also contribute to restoring investor confidence and reviving small and medium-scale businesses that have struggled under repeated shutdowns.
For transport operators, artisans, and market women, the move offers hope for improved income stability.
While reaffirming its core principles, IPOB stated that its focus remains on freedom, dignity, and justice for its people.
The group emphasized that the cancellation of the sit-at-home directive should not be misinterpreted as a retreat from its broader goals, but rather as a strategic shift aimed at reducing hardship for ordinary citizens.
As communities across the South-East adjust to this new development, residents are being encouraged to cooperate with one another, reject violence, and promote peace.
The end of the Monday sit-at-home order marks a defining moment that could reshape social and economic life in the region if fully embraced by all stakeholders.
Ireport247news
About The Author
