The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the total and permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, a development expected to restore full economic, educational, and social activities in the region, News Bracket reports.
The directive, which takes effect from Monday, 9 February 2026, was made public in a statement issued on Sunday and obtained by News Bracket. The statement was signed by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, who said the order came directly from the group’s detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The sit-at-home was introduced in August 2021 as a protest against Kanu’s rendition to Nigeria and his subsequent incarceration. Since then, the exercise had crippled commercial and public life every Monday, forcing markets, schools, banks, government offices, and transport services to shut down across the region.
According to the statement seen by News Bracket, IPOB said the new directive removes any justification for residents to remain indoors on Mondays, stressing that all lawful activities must now resume fully and without disruption.
“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.
“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.”
Consequences and Implications
As gathered by News Bracket, the cancellation is expected to provide immediate economic relief to traders, transport operators, artisans, and small-scale business owners who have suffered recurring losses since the sit-at-home began.
Education stakeholders say the decision could also stabilise academic calendars in the South-East, as schools previously affected by irregular attendance are likely to resume uninterrupted learning activities.
Security analysts told News Bracket that the directive places clear responsibility on IPOB supporters to comply, warning that any continued enforcement of sit-at-home orders by individuals or groups would now lack authorisation and could be treated as criminal acts.
In addition, state governments and security agencies may witness reduced tension and fewer confrontations on Mondays, potentially lowering incidents of violence, road blockades, and destruction of property that had accompanied past enforcement of the order.
However, observers note that the full impact of the cancellation will depend on effective communication of the directive, public confidence in its permanence, and adequate security measures to reassure residents returning to normal daily activities.
