Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has praised the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for calling off the long-standing Monday sit-at-home directive across the South-East states.
In a statement released on Friday via his legal counsel, Pelumi Olanjengbesi, Igboho described the decision as both thoughtful and timely, highlighting its potential to rejuvenate socio-economic activities in the region.
He emphasised that the move would create a more conducive environment for small and medium-sized enterprises as well as individual entrepreneurs to flourish.
Kanu, currently serving a life sentence for terrorism at the Sokoto Correctional Facility, reportedly announced the cancellation on Sunday through IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful. The directive effectively ended a five-year-long Monday economic shutdown that had severely disrupted commercial activities across the South-East zone.
Call for Dialogue and Peaceful Engagement
Reacting to the announcement, Igboho expressed optimism that the development could pave the way for further dialogue with the Federal Government.
“I want to urge the IPOB leader to vigorously explore dialogue and mediation with the Federal Government to break the deadlock in his current ordeal,” Igboho said in the statement.
He further noted, “While it is the fundamental right of Mazi Kanu to pursue self-determination, I hold the view that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is predisposed to negotiation and mutual understanding for the peace, shared prosperity, security and the deserved respect that the South-East commands.”
Igboho also appealed to those profiting from unrest and the disruption of the South-East through violence to desist from such acts, emphasising that peace and economic growth are vital for the region and the nation.
Context of the Sit-at-Home Order
The cancellation of the sit-at-home directive comes less than two weeks after Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, temporarily closed the Onitsha Main Market, following traders’ compliance with the IPOB order. The Monday shutdowns had long been a source of tension, affecting trade, transportation, and everyday life across the South-East.
Igboho’s statement underscores the hope that ending the economic lockdown will foster stability, encourage commerce, and open avenues for constructive engagement between IPOB and federal authorities.
What you should know
Sunday Igboho has applauded Nnamdi Kanu for ending the five-year Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, a move expected to revive business activities and support local entrepreneurs.
The directive, announced through IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, comes while Kanu serves a life sentence at the Sokoto Correctional Facility. Igboho urged Kanu to pursue dialogue with the Federal Government and called on actors profiting from regional unrest to desist from violence.
The end of the shutdown follows the temporary closure of the Onitsha Main Market by Governor Charles Soludo due to IPOB’s prior sit-at-home order, signaling a potential pathway for peace and socio-economic recovery in the South-East.
