Kanu’s Detention Keeps South-East Residents Away From Work On Mondays
IPOB’s Sit-At-Home Lifted, but Residents Stay Home Pending Kanu’s Release
THE South-East region witnessed continued inactivity on Monday as schools, offices, and major markets remained largely closed despite the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) announcing the end of the long-standing sit-at-home order.
IPOB’s Media Secretary, Emma Powerful, stated that the directive, first implemented five years ago, was formally cancelled. Nevertheless, she emphasized that full compliance would depend on the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the group’s detained leader serving a life sentence for terrorism-related offenses in Sokoto.
Field checks in towns such as Aba, Abia State, revealed a mixed scenario. While gates of major markets like Ariaria and Ahia Ohuru were open, few traders or buyers were present. Federal workers and motor parks that have historically adhered to the Monday lockdown continued to stay closed.
Residents cited a combination of loyalty to IPOB and fear of reprisal as reasons for staying indoors. Vincent Eke, a book dealer in Enugu, recounted receiving a threatening call warning him to close his shop, referencing personal details and family information. He decided not to open, a sentiment echoed by others who have historically observed the Monday shutdown.
Local businessmen and school owners expressed doubts about the impact of the IPOB statement. Uchenna Eze of Ahia Ohuru market said, “We are content with operating between Tuesday and Saturday. A directive alone cannot make people open.” Similarly, Ikedieze Ohabughiro, a school owner, suggested that Kanu’s presence on the streets would be the only assurance to resume normal activity.
Human rights observers have noted that the Monday closures reflect the enduring influence of IPOB and its leadership. Ibuchukwu Ezike, CLO Executive Director, explained that people “internalised the spirit” of the order, highlighting that restoring confidence in governance and resolving Kanu’s detention are central to changing the pattern.
Powerful further clarified that the sit-at-home has become a voluntary civic choice, stating, “Biafrans are free citizens who can decide what to do with their Mondays. Freedom is a choice, and the people have spoken.”
Despite the official lifting of the order, Monday inactivity persists, showing that Kanu’s detention remains the overriding factor shaping the region’s civic behaviour.
