Some aggrieved residents of Anambra State, particularly in Onitsha and Nnewi, have continued to observe the Monday weekly sit-at-home despite the conviction and imprisonment of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to Vanguard, business activities were paralysed; schools, banks, hospitals, and government offices remained shut, while roads were largely deserted, reflecting the anger and solidarity of the people with Kanu.
Residents who spoke to Vanguard said the sit-at-home is a voluntary protest by people of the South East, not one enforced by IPOB.
They described claims that IPOB imposed the lockdowns as misleading, noting that criminals previously exploited the protests to commit robberies but disappeared once exposed.
Obed Nwachukwu, a resident, said, “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.”
Another resident, Chief Okwudili Okoye, said, “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.”
According to the residents, the protest goes beyond IPOB; it is a demonstration of solidarity with Kanu and a stand against what they view as the unequal treatment of the Igbo people.
