IPOB Spokesperson States February 2 Sit-at-Home was a Singular Event

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has clarified that the sit-at-home executed on February 2 in select areas of Onitsha was not a routine event, but rather a one-time action. This was not indicative of a return to the previous weekly lockdowns in the South-East region.

Emma Powerful, the spokesperson for IPOB, articulated that this decision stemmed from their discontent with what they view as the growing authoritarianism of Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo. This dissatisfaction arose particularly in light of recent tensions between the governor and traders in Onitsha. Powerful reassured that IPOB has not reinstated any policy on weekly sit-at-home observances.

He reflected on the origin of the Monday sit-at-home, which started in August 2021 to press for the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who was then detained by the Department of State Services. This practice was eventually called off following a directive from Kanu himself after concerns were raised about the detrimental effects it had on the economy of the Igbo people.

The cancellation of the sit-at-home was met with widespread approval, and IPOB has consistently distanced itself from criminal groups that enforced sit-at- home measures through violence and threats. Powerful argued that any ongoing references to IPOB in connection with present-day Monday shutdowns post- cancellation are both unjust and misleading.

He highlighted that while IPOB has on occasion called for sit-at-home actions coinciding with Kanu's court appearances, such events have been infrequent and executed voluntarily, meant to show solidarity without coercion.

“The sit-at-home observed on Monday, February 2, 2026, was not a shift in policy by IPOB,” Powerful clarified. He underscored that IPOB consistently opposes weekly shutdowns since many of its members rely on daily economic activities as traders, artisans, transporters, and small business owners.

Powerful noted that IPOB does not find joy in advocating for sit-at-home events but argued that when an elected Igbo governor threatens citizens with demolitions and force—especially amidst widespread attacks on Igbo properties across Nigeria—people naturally react.

He underscored that peaceful protests concerning the ongoing detention of Nnamdi Kanu should not be met with threats, cautioning that such tactics ultimately foster resentment and distrust among the populace.

Powerful also expressed skepticism regarding the genuine intentions of the South-East Governors’ Forum regarding Kanu’s release, questioning the apparent support for his conviction even though IPOB believes there is insufficient evidence for such actions.

He reiterated that the sit-at-home measure had been abolished long ago and emphasized that it would be made clear that there will be no enforcement moving forward. He further stated that IPOB does not wish for Igbo traders to face harassment or threats for making the choice to open their businesses.

According to him, resolving these issues requires dialogue, justice, and adherence to the rule of law, not intimidation or collective punishment, stressing that the concerns extend beyond IPOB to encompass the broader sense of injustice felt within the Igbo community.