According to the statement, Kanu said there is “no longer any justification” for the sit-at-home, stressing the need for the full restoration of normal life across the region. IPOB warned that any individual or group attempting to enforce the sit-at-home going forward would be acting contrary to Kanu’s directive, declaring that “the era of Monday sit-at-home is over.” Residents were urged to remain law-abiding and vigilant. The Monday sit-at-home was introduced in 2021 following Kanu’s arrest and continued detention after his extradition from Kenya to Nigeria to face terrorism-related charges. The prolonged shutdowns led to significant economic losses, repeated school closures, and sustained pressure from South-East governors urging residents to ignore the order. He also warned that salaries would be deducted from erring workers, insisting that there was no official sit-at-home policy in the state.

Source: The Guardian February 08, 2026 17:55 UTC