The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has declared every Monday, effective August 9,2021, a sit-at-home day as parts of its agitations for the release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
However, Igbo apex socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo opposed the move, warning that it could worsen the economic situation in the region.
In a statement, the spokesman for IPOB, Emma Powerful warned that ‘huge consequences’ await anyone found flouting the ‘order’.
He said, “We declare every Monday sit- at- home throughout Biafra land until our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, regains his freedom.
“Nobody should attempt to flout this directive as doing so may come with huge consequences. Anybody flouting this order is taking a grave risk,” he said.
A faction of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the declaration. In a statement by the Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group requested that Southeastern governors should be consulted with other stakeholders including Igbo traditional rulers and market administrators to ascertain the consequences of the sit- at- home orders in the past and the best strategies to free Nnamdi Kanu.
“It’s not in the best interest of Ndigbo to add more salt to injuries.There are better options that IPOB can use to push for the release of Nnamdi Kanu without inflicting hardships on Ndigbo through sit at home.IPOB should review their stance and see the bigger pictures of the discomforts and suffering of Igbos and adjust the sit-at -home from once a week to once a month.”
