Despite the conviction and imprisonment of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, residents of Onitsha, Nnewi, and several other communities across Anambra State continued to observe the weekly Monday sit-at-home.
On Monday, major markets, shops, banks, schools, hospitals, transport services, and government offices remained shut. Streets were mostly deserted, with residents saying the action is a voluntary show of solidarity with Kanu.
Some locals who spoke with Vanguard dismissed claims that the exercise is enforced by IPOB. They insisted that any violence or criminal attacks witnessed in earlier years were carried out by opportunistic criminals, not organized IPOB members.
Obed Nwachukwu said:
“Those expecting markets and businesses to reopen because of Kanu’s imprisonment will wait in vain. We are standing in solidarity with him until he regains freedom.”
Another resident, Chief Okwudili Okoye, said the decision of the Federal Government and the ruling of the Abuja Federal High Court “lack credibility” in the eyes of many in the region.
According to him, “The Monday sit-at-home will continue voluntarily to demand justice and fairness for Ndigbo. Normal activities will resume only when Nnamdi Kanu is free.”
Community members also stressed that the sit-at-home has grown beyond IPOB, evolving into a broader expression of perceived marginalization and a demand for equity for the Igbo people.