The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the total and permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, with effect from Monday, February 9, 2026.
The directive was disclosed by the group’s spokesperson, Mr. Emma Powerful, in a press statement issued on Sunday, in which he said the order came directly from IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Recall that the pro-Biafran group declared the Monday sit-at-home in August 2021 as a form of protest against the rendition of Kanu to Nigeria and his subsequent incarceration. Since then, the exercise has often led to the shutdown of markets, schools, banks, offices and other economic activities across the region.
Powerful said that following the latest directive, there is no longer any reason, excuse or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. He stressed that markets, schools, offices, transport services and all forms of economic activities must resume fully and normally.
“The IPOB, under the supreme leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, hereby announces to the entire world that the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026,” the statement read.
According to him, Kanu took the decision to ensure that children return to school every Monday and that residents of the South-East go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation or molestation.
“This directive comes directly from Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu himself, who has once again staked everything on the line to ensure that our people resume normal life. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone,” Powerful said.
He added that anyone in doubt should visit the Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm the directive, noting that the group would no longer tolerate claims that Kanu could not be reached for confirmation.
“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,” the statement added.
The group also addressed issues relating to market development, saying that any renovation, reconstruction or improvement of markets that involves temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all relevant stakeholders. It added that adequate temporary trading sites must be provided before such projects commence.
IPOB further warned against actions capable of creating division among the people of the South-East, stressing the need for unity and peaceful coexistence.
“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,” the group said.
It called on residents of the South-East to come out without fear, open their shops, go to work and send their children to school, declaring that the era of the Monday sit-at-home has come to an end.
