There is confusion especially in Onitsha, Anambra State as another Monday sit-at-home holds
today. All shops, schools and business organizations are expected to be under key and lock.

However, last week, Anambra State governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo read riot act to the
traders at Onitsha main market and vowed to close down the market if the traders obey the sit-
at-home on Monday.

But the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Sunday has said that there is no going back on the sit-at-home declared for Monday, February 2, 2026 across the South East.
The Secretary of Media and Publicity of IPOB, Emma Powerful, restated this in a statement he issued to newsmen.

This followed an earlier statement by Ifeanyi Ejiakor, the lawyer of the Founder of IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, that Powerful should be ignored over the declaration of the sit-at-home.

The declaration was made over the closure of the Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State by Governor Chukwuma Soludo following the observation of the Monday sit-at-home by traders.

Powerful, in his statement on Sunday, said the government or agents of the All Progressives Congress (APC) masquerading as IPOB members can’t stop the order.
He said: “Any government or APC agent masquerading as an IPOB member will be exposed in due
course. It is public knowledge that Ifeanyi Ejiofor has been sacked by Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and he neither represents him nor the IPOB led by Nazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“Ifeanyi Ejiofor was sacked over 2 years ago and has no business with Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Chinasa Nworu and Chika Edoziem contacted me last week and asked me to stop issuing statements publicizing our leader’s unlawful detention, and I refused.

“That was when they started plotting to hijack the leadership of IPOB and divert attention away from our leader. Those individuals appointed into the Directorate of State (DOS) by our leader have
compromised the integrity of this struggle by meeting with Governor Soludo to undermine the solidarity shown to Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the traders of Onitsha Main Market. They should be ashamed of themselves.

“The public is hereby advised to disregard every fake and fabricated resignation being circulated in my name. I spoke with a member of DOS two days ago in the person of Chinasa Nworu, who wants me to abandon our leader in detention. If I “do not exist,” the public should ask him who he spoke to.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ifeanyi Ejiofor wrote to me yesterday, requesting that I call off the sit-at-home. If I do not exist, who exactly did he write to? He no longer represents our leader and has no authority within IPOB.

“Anti-Biafra forces opposed to the release of our leader have infiltrated and hijacked the internet using my name and that of IPOB and DOS to confuse the public. Those political jobbers do not work for Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or speak for IPOB. They will be unmasked.

“I will be appearing on talk shows and granting radio and media interviews from today through
tomorrow morning. Attempts to use my temporary non-appearance to claim I “do not exist” are
laughable.

“The same individuals I spoke with days ago are now spreading falsehoods online. While agents of the Nigerian government may have seized control of elements within DOS, the wider IPOB family remains uncontaminated.

“Biafrans are advised to beware of charlatans, ignore misinformation, and comply with the sit-at-home order on Monday.”
In the meantime, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, has convened an emergency closed-door security meeting with all area and tactical commanders in response to the sit-at-home declared by the Indigenous People of Biafra on Monday.

At the meeting at the police headquarters in Awka on Sunday, Orutugu ordered an immediate increase in intelligence-led patrols, security surveillance, and proactive policing to prevent any threat to lives and property.

The CP, in a press statement on Sunday, urged Ndi Anambra to remain vigilant, discerning, united, and refuse to succumb to such divisive narratives.

He said the emergency meeting was convened in response to threats by non-state actors.

He said, “Following the security assessment of the implications, or otherwise, of full resumption of all social, commercial, and official activities in Anambra State on Monday, the Police Command has
identified a deliberate, recurring pattern of coordinated social media posts by some non-state actors
aimed at spreading fear, misinformation, and bigotry among the public.

“These misleading narratives are intended to cause panic, undermine public confidence, and disrupt the peace currently enjoyed in the State.

“However, the Command notes with confidence that Ndi Anambra have remained vigilant, discerning, and united, refusing to succumb to such divisive narratives.

“The resilience, cooperation, and timely sharing of credible information by residents continues to play a critical role in sustaining public order and safety.

“The Police Command has directed the immediate intensification of intelligence-led patrols, security surveillance, and proactive policing operations to forestall any threat to lives and property.

“The Command reassures the public that adequate security measures have been put in place and urges residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and security-conscious.

“Members of the public are advised to disregard unverified social media content being propagated by non-state actors and to report any suspicious movements or activities to the nearest Police formation or through established emergency channels.”

In attendance at the meeting were officers in charge of various joint security forces across the state, as well as the representative of the state government on security.

“The Anambra State Police Command remains fully committed to maintaining peace, public safety, and the protection of all residents and visitors to the State,” the statement added.

Anambra State Government had announced earlier that the Onitsha Main Market would reopen on
Monday for full economic and commercial activities, while assuring traders and residents of maximum security.
Meanwhile, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra state has announced the reopening of Onitsha Main Market on Monday, February 2, barely a week after the market was shut by the state government in response to traders’ continued observance of Monday sit-at-home.

A press statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, read in part: “This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr. Governor, Prof Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, lapses this weekend”.

The statement added: “to that effect, all traders are hereby informed to resume business as usual on
Monday, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any form of sit-at-home on Mondays in Anambra
State”.

“Meanwhile, civil servants and teachers are reminded that the pro rata salary system remains in force: no work on Monday, no pay. Also, parents must release their children for school on Mondays to avoid sanctions”.

“Ndị Anambra and residents are assured of adequate security and encouraged to report any security
concerns to 5111”.