…Order lifted from February 9 as Kanu directs return to normal life
Maureen Okpe
In a move set to recalibrate daily life and commerce across Nigeria’s South-East, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the permanent cancellation of its long-standing Monday sit-at-home order.
The decision, effective from Monday, February 9, 2026, was disclosed on Sunday in a statement by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who said the directive came directly from the group’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
“There is no longer any reason whatsoever for our people to stay at home on Mondays,” Powerful declared, signalling an end to a practice that had reshaped the region’s economic rhythm for years.
According to the statement, Kanu has repeatedly appealed for a full return to normal life, stressing that fear and enforced inactivity must give way to productivity and social stability.
IPOB urged residents to resume unhindered economic and social activities, calling for the reopening of markets, schools, offices and transport services across the South-East.
Special emphasis was placed on education, with the group insisting that children must attend school without disruption, intimidation or anxiety.
“Kanu is deeply concerned about the welfare of our children and the future of our people,” the statement said, adding that every Monday should now be treated as a normal working day.
The group issued a stern warning to any individuals or factions attempting to enforce sit-at-home orders going forward, describing such actions as unauthorised and damaging.
Powerful cautioned that anyone enforcing a shutdown after the announcement would not be acting on behalf of IPOB or in line with Kanu’s explicit instructions.
Introduced in August 2021 to press for Kanu’s release and Biafran self-determination, the Monday sit-at-home had triggered repeated shutdowns and heavy economic losses—making its cancellation a potentially defining turning point for the region.