Ignore February 2 Sit-At-Home Order, IPOB Lawyer Urges South-East Residents
A lawyer representing the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has urged residents of the South-East to disregard the sit-at-home directive scheduled for Monday, February 2, warning that the action could worsen economic hardship and expose civilians to unnecessary risks.
Speaking in a public statement on Sunday, the legal practitioner said there was no court order or lawful directive compelling residents to stay indoors, stressing that only constituted authorities have the power to impose restrictions on movement.
According to the lawyer, the recurring sit-at-home actions have had severe economic consequences on traders, transporters, artisans, and small business owners across the region, many of whom are still recovering from previous disruptions.
“People should not be intimidated into shutting down their businesses,” the lawyer said. “There is no legal basis for enforcing a sit-at-home, and residents should go about their lawful activities.”
The lawyer also cautioned against acts of coercion, noting that any attempt to force compliance through threats or violence is unlawful and punishable under Nigerian law. He urged security agencies to ensure the safety of residents who choose to carry on with their daily activities.
The advisory comes amid heightened tension following reports that IPOB had announced a total shutdown in protest over the closure of traders’ shops in parts of Anambra State, particularly the Onitsha Main Market.
While IPOB has described the sit-at-home as a peaceful act of solidarity, state governments in the South-East have repeatedly distanced themselves from such directives, encouraging residents to ignore them and continue with normal activities.
Residents across the region remain divided, with some expressing fear of possible reprisals, while others have called for an end to actions that disrupt economic life.
Authorities have advised the public to rely only on official government announcements and verified information, urging calm and lawful conduct as the situation develops.
