A nonprofit organization in the US comprised of military veterans with Igbo descent, known as the American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), has declared its solidarity with the sit-at-home order set to take place in the southeastern region of Nigeria on Monday, February 2, 2026.
Emma Powerful has called for the action on behalf of a group within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) that is loyal to its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. AVID, in a statement signed by its president, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, and secretary, Godson Obiagwu, characterised the protest as a peaceful demonstration of unity and protest against what the group claims are long-standing injustices suffered by the Igbo people.
In a nonviolent protest against marginalisation and Kanu’s continuing arrest, the group praised Onitsha merchants for defying orders from Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo to halt the weekly sit-at-home.
AVID stated that the sit-in is a valid method of protest because its members are Igbo-American veterans of the United States military. The group compared the present situation to the Igbo people’s struggles during the Biafran War, painting the Onitsha merchants’ resistance as a metaphor for resiliency.
In a statement, the group asked those living in the area that was once Biafra to join the sit-in in solidarity, stressing that taking part should only be done voluntarily and legally.
In addition to calling for Kanu’s immediate release, AVID requested the Nigerian government to talk about the Southeast’s complaints.
In an effort to maintain unity among Biafrans, the organization rejected what it saw as competing demands from other groups.
Furthermore, AVID urged all nations, particularly the US government, to keep a careful eye on events and back attempts for a peaceful conclusion.
On behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Emma Powerful has called for a sit-at-home observance on Monday, February 2, 2026. The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a nonprofit organization made up of U.S. military veterans of Igbo ancestry, has announced its full support for this action.
The Igbo people of Nigeria have long been victims of injustice, and this nonviolent protest is a strong statement of their solidarity and defiance.
The longstanding Monday sit-at-home tradition has served as a nonviolent protest against systemic oppression, marginalisation, and the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. AVID commends the Onitsha traders for their courageous rejection of Governor Charles Soludo’s unnecessary and forceful directives to undermine this tradition.
The sit-at-home is a valid manifestation of the Igbo people’s unwavering spirit, and we, the American military veterans of Igbo descent who have served to defend freedom and human rights, acknowledge this.
As a symbol of the resilience and perseverance shown by our forebears in the face of adversity, the Onitsha traders’ refusal to give in is inspiring.
All Biafrans should join them in this sit-in in solidarity, remembering the sacrifices made for justice and self-determination; we are standing with them.
“The incarcerated IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose fight for Biafran rights has moved millions, and AVID has always stood by him.
The Nigerian government must promptly free Kanu and hold a serious discussion to resolve the Igbo people’s complaints, we demand.
Plus, AVID doesn’t care if some group or individual is trying to divide the Biafran people and weaken their unity by issuing contradictory orders.
We urge the international community, particularly the US government, to keep a close eye on the situation and back attempts for a just resolution. As veterans dedicated to world peace and equity, we at AVID urge this. The sit-in is a demand for respect and autonomy, not a demonstration of discontent.
“In sum, we strongly encourage our citizens to act lawfully and to recognise that the sit-at-home is an optional, non-mandatory measure.”