IPOB CANCELS SIT-AT-HOME: MONDAYS RETURN TO NORMAL IN THE SOUTH-EAST

IPOB CANCELS SIT-AT-HOME IN SOUTH EAST NIGERIA

The announcement that the Monday sit-at-home in Nigeria’s South-East has been permanently cancelled has captured the attention of residents, traders, students, and public officials across the region. According to IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the directive comes directly from the group’s detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and takes effect immediately. From today, February 9, 2026, businesses, schools, offices, and transport services are expected to resume normal operations.

For many in the South-East, this announcement raises a simple, practical question: will Mondays finally return to normal, or is this yet another pause in a long series of directives and reversals?

The History of the Sit-at-Home Directive

The Monday sit-at-home began in August 2021, when IPOB first imposed the directive across parts of the South-East. The initial purpose was to pressure the Nigerian government regarding Mazi Kanu’s legal situation, but over time it became a regular part of life. Markets closed, streets emptied, and routine activities were repeatedly disrupted.

Even after previous announcements cancelling the directive, observance often continued. Many residents stayed home on Mondays either out of caution or habit, reflecting how strongly the directive had been embedded into daily routines over the years.

What makes this latest cancellation notable is that it comes not just from IPOB, but is echoed by other pro-Biafra groups. The Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Liberation Army also announced that the sit-at-home would no longer be enforced. For the first time, multiple factions are aligned in calling for an end to the Monday shutdown.

Previously, mixed messages between groups created confusion. While IPOB had attempted to suspend the directive before, enforcement by other groups continued, and some residents still observed the sit-at-home despite official cancellations. The current alignment may provide clearer guidance for residents and traders.

Government and Public Reactions

State governments in the South-East have consistently opposed the sit-at-home, citing its effects on markets, schools, offices, and public movement. An example is the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market by Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, which led to tensions with IPOB supporters.

The recent announcement emphasizes that anyone attempting to enforce the sit-at-home against Kanu’s directive will be acting against his orders. This could reduce conflicts between government authorities and residents who wish to resume regular activities.

What Residents Need to Know

From Monday, residents are encouraged to open shops, attend school, commute, and participate in economic and social activities without fear. The directive is described as permanent, signaling a potential shift from weeks and months of uncertainty.

However, residents in areas like Anambra and Imo, where enforcement has historically been stronger, may watch closely to confirm that the cancellation is fully respected. Consistency in following the new directive will be important to ensure that Mondays no longer become a day of disruption.

The coming weeks will be telling. Traders, school administrators, and commuters will see whether activities resume fully, and whether enforcement by other groups remains absent. For residents, the key is clarity: the freedom to carry out Monday routines without interruption.

If the cancellation holds across the South-East, it may mark a turning point in how communities organize their weekly schedules. Markets may regain regular operation, schools may resume consistent classes, and the predictable flow of public life could return.

At the same time, the alignment of multiple pro-Biafra groups behind the cancellation may reduce confusion and provide a more unified message. How residents, traders, and government authorities respond will determine whether Mondays truly become ordinary days once again.