Quick Summary:
IPOBSitAtHome2026 as IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful reaffirms that the February 2 sit-at-home across the South-East will proceed despite internal opposition and government warnings.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reaffirmed that its planned February 2, 2026 sit-at-home across the South-East will hold as scheduled.
The group’s spokesman, Comrade Emma Powerful, made the declaration in a statement released on Sunday, insisting that the directive is sacrosanct and aimed at showing solidarity with traders in Onitsha Main Market.
The market had been closed for a week by Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, after traders failed to comply with his ban on Monday sit-at-home observance. The governor warned that if traders again refused to open their shops when the market reopens on February 2, it would be shut for a month.
Internal Dispute Within IPOB
The sit-at-home order has sparked internal disagreement within IPOB.
A lawyer to the group, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, and some members of the Directorate of State (DOS) opposed the directive, claiming IPOB had long abandoned sit-at-home orders.
They also questioned Powerful’s credibility, alleging that the office of the spokesperson had been compromised and that “Emma Powerful” does not exist as a real person.
Powerful Responds, Accuses Members of Sabotage
In a statement titled “Clarification statement on the lies & falsehoods,” Powerful dismissed the allegations, insisting that Ejiofor was expelled over two years ago and no longer represents IPOB or its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
He accused Chinasa Nworu and Chike Edoziem, both members of the DOS, of plotting to hijack the group and divert attention from Kanu’s detention, alleging that they had met with Governor Soludo to undermine IPOB’s solidarity with Onitsha traders.
He further alleged that agents of the Nigerian government and the ruling APC were masquerading as IPOB members to deceive the public and sow division within the movement.
Denies Claims of Non-Existence
Powerful also dismissed claims that he is a pseudonym, insisting that he is a real individual actively performing his duties.
He vowed to appear on talk shows and media interviews to counter misinformation and reaffirm IPOB’s commitment to Nnamdi Kanu’s release.
Call for Compliance
Powerful urged Biafrans to ignore misinformation and comply with the February 2 sit-at-home order, stressing that the wider IPOB family remains united despite alleged infiltration of its leadership structure.