A profound dichotomy is emerging in Onitsha as the impending Monday deadline approaches, pitting the authority of Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State, against the separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The crux of the matter lies in the long-standing Monday sit-at-home order, initially instituted by IPOB in solidarity with their detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Governor Soludo has vehemently opposed this directive, instead mandating that traders reopen their businesses on Mondays, with threats of severe consequences for non-compliance.
Ostensibly, in a bid to enforce his edict, Soludo shut down the iconic Onitsha Main Market for one week, citing the enormous economic losses incurred due to the sit-at-home order, estimated at N8 billion weekly for Anambra State and N19.6 billion for the entire South-East region.
However, the traders are now, caught in the middle, now faced with an existential dilemma: defy the governor’s order and risk facing state punitive measures or also observe the sit-at-home directive and potentially incur economic losses.
IPOB has vowed to stage a Biafra-wide solidarity lockdown on Monday 2nd February 2026, in support of the Onitsha traders and to demand Kanu’s unconditional release. The group maintains that the sit-at-home order is a peaceful and voluntary expression of solidarity, rather than an act of economic sabotage or intimidation. In a statement, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, accused Soludo of attempting to provoke confrontation and undermine the group’s campaign for Biafran self-determination.
The stakes are high, with both sides seemingly unwilling to back down. If Soludo succeeds in ending the sit-at-home order, it could be seen as a significant victory for his administration and a blow to IPOB’s influence in the region. Conversely, if the traders choose to observe the sit-at-home directive, it could lead to further economic stagnation and instability in the area which won’t be allowed by state institutions.
As the situation stands, the outcome remains uncertain, with both sides dug in and unwilling to compromise. The international community is watching closely, aware that the outcome of this standoff could have far-reaching implications for the stability and economic development of our region. The question on everyone’s lips is: will Soludo’s authority prevail, or will IPOB’s determination to observe the sit-at-home directive ultimately hold sway?
The impending showdown has sparked fears of potential violence and economic disruption, with many calling for calm and restraint. As the people of Onitsha prepare for another day of uncertainty, one thing is clear: the consequences of this standoff will be far-reaching and potentially interesting.
May Anambra be safe!
Hon Emma Nnadi, writer, editor and political affairs analyst, hails from Imo State, Nigeria
