By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Anambra State Government has announced the reopening of the Onitsha Main Market, after a week-long closure occasioned by traders’ observation of the outlawed Monday sit-at-home order proclaimed by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, in South East region of Nigeria.
The state Government said the Market will be reopening for normal business activities on Monday , February 2, 2026, after the expiry of the closure period on Sunday February 1,2026.
The announcement of the re-opening of the Market , however, came on the heels of the purported resignation of the spokesperson for the Biafra separatist movement Emma Powerful over a deep disagreement within the ranks of the IPOB leadership concerning the validity or otherwise of a South East-wide special sit-at-home order.
A statement on Friday January 30 ,by Emma Powerful ordering a total lockdown of the entire five South Eastern states in sympathy with traders over the Onitsha Main Market closure had sparked serious resentment within the IPOB top hierarchy, leading to a counter directive.
In a terse statement on Saturday , January 31 ,2026 from Mazi Chukwukadibia Edoziem, head of its Directorate of State DOS, said IPOB has formally banned any further use of the pseudonym” Emma Powerful” for the release of any official communications.
While totally condemning and distancing themselves from the special Monday sit-at-home order proclaimed for Monday February 2 in all the States of the South East region, the IPOB leadership informed that henceforth, all official statements from the group will be issued on its letterhead.
The IPOB leadership emphasized that the new measure has become imperative in the face of the abuse, misuse and compromise of the pseudonym “Emma Powerful.”
According to the group, the continued use of the Pseudonym, ” Emma Powerful” constitutes a grave danger both to its image and the Biafran struggle.
“Emma Powerful was originally an operational pseudonym used for IPOB press releases.
“Any statement issued under the name of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra carries enormous responsibility for IPOB and its leadership.
“The pseudonym, however, has been abused, misused and compromised.
“The continued use of the pseudonym presents clear and present dangers to IPOB as a movement,and to the Biafran self-determination struggle.
“Certain individuals and groups have subtly deployed the pseudonym as a tool to disrupt the prevailing peace and security currently being enjoyed by both Biafrans and visitors in Biafra land .
” Consequently, the Directorate of State of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra resolved as follows:
- “In line with organizational standards, all press statements representing the official position of the IPOB must henceforth be released exclusively on IPOB’s official letterhead paper.
- “Arising from the abuse, misuse and compromise of the pseudonym, ‘Emma Powerful’ ,IPOB shall no longer use the name in issuing it’s press statements.
- “Furthermore, the Directorate of State did not authorize any individuals or groups whatsoever to issue a lockdown or sit-at-home order across Biafra land on Monday, 2 February, 2026” the partly reads.
Reacting to the position of the IPOB’s leadership, Emma Powerful, in a statement late on Saturday evening noted that his resignation followed a deep reflection and consultation with his conscience,as well as careful consideration of recent developments within the movement.
“I have served with commitment, discipline and loyalty, believing strongly in the ideals of justice, equity, and truth that originally inspired my involvement.
“However, the unfolding realities, internal contradictions, and emerging approaches being adopted in recent times have made it increasingly difficult for me to continue in this capacity in good conscience”, Emma Powerful stated .
A statement from the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, at the Weekend, noted that following the expiry of the closure period,all traders are expected to resume at the Market on Monday February 2 ,2026 normal business activities.
“This is to inform the general public that the closure of Onitsha Main Market, ordered by Mr Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo lapses this weekend.
‘To that effect, all traders are hereby informed to resume business as usual on Monda, February 2, 2026, as there is no longer any form of sit-at-home on Mondays in Anambra State”, Mefor noted .
While assuring of the commitment of the authorities towards the provision of enhanced security, the Commissioner directed the traders to promptly report any perceived security breaches to the appropriate channels.
This is as the state Government further warned that it will henceforth pay civil servants in the State, including teachers on pro rata basis(no work on Mondays, no payment).
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