Residents across Nigeria's South-East region are returning to normalcy today as schools, markets, and businesses reopen following the Indigenous People of Biafra's (IPOB) announcement of the permanent cancellation of its long-standing Monday sit-at-home order.
The directive, which had disrupted economic and social activities for nearly five years, was officially terminated by IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, effective immediately.
In a statement released by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, Kanu declared the sit-at-home "officially and permanently cancelled," emphasizing that there is "no longer any justification" for the protest action.
"The era of Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!" the statement read, urging all residents to resume full economic and social activities without fear. IPOB warned that any individuals or groups attempting to enforce the order going forward would be acting against Kanu's explicit instructions.
The sit-at-home, initially introduced as a form of protest, had led to widespread closures every Monday, affecting education, commerce, and transportation in states including Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo.
With the cancellation, reports from major cities like Enugu and Onitsha indicate bustling markets and students heading back to classrooms, signaling a potential boost to the region's economy.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the development. "This is a step towards restoring peace and productivity in the South-East," said a spokesperson for the South-East Governors' Forum. "We encourage all citizens to remain vigilant and law-abiding as we move forward."