Residents in Anambra State, particularly in Onitsha and Nnewi, continued to observe the weekly Monday sit-at-home, despite the recent conviction and imprisonment of Indigenous People of Biafra leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Markets, schools, banks, hospitals, and government offices remained closed, with streets appearing largely empty, signaling both anger and solidarity with Kanu among the populace.
According to Vanguard, several residents mentioned that the sit-at-home is a voluntary protest by the people of the South East, rather than a mandate imposed by IPOB.
They noted that earlier claims suggesting IPOB enforced the lockdown were misleading, adding that in the past, some criminals had exploited the protests to carry out robberies, only to disappear once caught.
Obed Nwachukwu stated, “Those hoping that markets and businesses will reopen because of Kanu’s imprisonment will have to wait. We are standing in solidarity with him until he is free.”
Chief Okwudili Okoye added, “The Federal Government’s claims and the Abuja Federal High Court’s judgement are unsubstantiated. Monday sit-at-home will continue as a voluntary action in demand for fairness and justice for Ndigbo. Once Nnamdi Kanu regains his freedom, normal activities will resume.”
Residents underscored that the protest is not solely about IPOB, but serves as a broader demonstration of solidarity with Kanu and a stand against what they perceive as unfair treatment of the Igbo people.
