Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
After the drastic action taken by the governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo in shutting down the Onitsha Main Market for one week following their usual Monday Sit-At-Home ritual that has grounded their economic to a halt, the Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has finally announced that the exercise across the South East is permanently cancelled with effect from today.
Spokesperson of IPOB, Emma Powerful, said the directive came directly from Kanu, who he said has, once again, staked everything on the line to ensure that children return to school every Monday, and the people go about their lawful businesses without fear, intimidation, or molestation.
“Any person in doubt should visit Sokoto Correctional Centre to confirm with him. We can no longer hide under, ‘Onyendu cannot be reached to confirm’ to persist with our recalcitrance or docility. Monday sit-at-home is over. That era is gone!
“There is now no need, excuse, or justification for anyone to stay at home on Mondays. All markets, schools, offices, transport services, and economic activities must resume fully and normally from tomorrow. This is the clear and unequivocal order of the Supreme Leader of IPOB.
“Onyendu has made it abundantly clear that any individual or group attempting to enforce sit-at-home from this moment forward is acting against his direct command. Such persons are enemies of our people and the Biafra cause. They will be pursued to the ends of the earth and confronted until they are completely defeated”, Powerful said.
He continues “We are aware that enemies of Biafra may attempt false-flag operations designed to create fear, stage attacks, or intimidate our people into staying indoors. Let it be known that any person or group identified as enforcing or enabling sit-at-home will be confronted wherever they are. Our people must remain vigilant, calm, and law-abiding.
The group has also warned against threats of shutdown of businesses in the zone by any governor.
“At the same time, IPOB wishes to make it clear that no state governor has the right to threaten, demolish, or forcibly shut down the businesses of traders who, out of conscience, choose to sit at home in solidarity with our leader.
“Any attempt by Governor Soludo or any other governor to intimidate our people with demolition threats or forced market closures will be firmly resisted.
“Furthermore, any renovation, reconstruction, or improvement of markets that involves temporary relocation must be carried out only with the consent of all stakeholders. Adequate temporary trading sites must be provided before any such projects commence.
“Our enemies have, in the past, succeeded in instigating crises and planting seeds of discord among our people. We must not allow them to succeed again. We are one people, united by a common destiny. Our struggle is for freedom, dignity, and justice for all, not just for Biafrans.
“We, therefore, call on all our people across the South East to come out tomorrow, open their shops, go to work, and send their children to school without fear. The era of Monday sit-at-home is over”, Powerful said.
