ENUGU — Normalcy is returning to Nigeria’s South-East region as schools, markets, and businesses across major cities reopened today, Monday, February 9, 2026. This follows the final and absolute cancellation of the controversial Monday “sit-at-home” order by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The enforcement of the sit-at-home, which had crippled the regional economy for years, was formally terminated following a series of hand-written directives from the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, issued from his continued detention.
Economic Recovery and Public Relief
In cities like Onitsha, Aba, and Enugu, the atmosphere today was one of cautious relief.
Market Resurgence: Traders at the Main Market, Onitsha, and Ariaria International Market, Aba, returned to full operations, ending years of losing an estimated ₦13 billion every Monday to the civil disobedience exercise.
Academic Restoration: Schools, which had previously shifted their calendars to accommodate the “ghost town” Mondays, have now fully resumed their five-day academic week, to the relief of parents and educators.
Security Patrols:Â While the sit-at-home has ended, joint security forces remain visible at major junctions to reassure citizens and prevent any “enforcer” remnants from harassing the public.
The Political Context: 2027 and Kanu’s Status
The end of the sit-at-home comes at a time of intense political maneuvering in the South-East.
Cubana Chief Priest’s Campaign: The recent declaration by celebrity socialite Cubana Chief Priest to run for the House of Reps under the APC is built on the promise of using “ruling party influence” to secure Kanu’s final release.
Malami Trial Fallout: The remand of former AGF Abubakar Malami on terrorism financing charges has been viewed by IPOB legal teams as “retributive justice,” given Malami’s role in Kanu’s 2021 extraordinary rendition from Kenya.
The Challenge Ahead
Despite the reopening of the region, deep-seated grievances remain. Activists like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie continue to push for competence-based governance as the only way to solve the underlying economic desperation that fuels separatism.
Furthermore, as petrol nears ₦1,000 per litre and the national debt hits ₦152 trillion, the South-East’s return to “Monday business” is seen as a vital step in preventing the “Almajirization” of the middle class in the region.
