Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has officially called for an end to the sit-at-home protests observed on Mondays in the South East region. These protests began in 2021 after Kanu’s detention by the Department of State Services (DSS) following his arrest and extradition to Nigeria, facilitated by Kenyan and Nigerian security forces.
Despite IPOB previously canceling the sit-at-home order, a faction led by Simon Ekpa has continued to declare sit-at-home days on Mondays and other days of their choosing, and the local population has largely complied with these orders.
During a world-press conference held in Enugu on Friday afternoon, Kanu, through his special counsel Barr Aloy Ejimakor, announced an end to the sit-at-home directive. He emphasized that the purpose of forming IPOB was to protect the interests of Ndigbo (Igbo people) and other oppressed minorities in the East. However, he recognized that the sit-at-home actions were detrimental to the economy of the very people he sought to protect.
In addition, Kanu cautioned Simon Ekpa against defying his orders and criticized him for disparaging Igbo leaders and Ohanaeze Ndigbo while trying to restore normal business activities that have been adversely affected by the ongoing sit-at-home protests in the East.