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The American Veterans of Igbo Descent, AVID, a United States-based nonprofit made up of military veterans of Igbo ancestry, has announced its support for the sit-at-home order scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, in Nigeria’s Southeast.
In a statement signed by its President, Dr. Sylvester Onyia, and Secretary, Godson Obiagwu, AVID said the action, called by Emma Powerful on behalf of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, represents a peaceful expression of unity and protest against what it described as longstanding injustices faced by the Igbo people.
The group commended traders in Onitsha for resisting directives from Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, aimed at discouraging the weekly sit-at-home, which AVID characterised as a non-violent protest against marginalisation and the continued detention of Kanu.
AVID said its members, as US military veterans of Igbo heritage, view the sit-at-home as a legitimate form of civic expression. The organisation drew parallels between current events and the historical experiences of the Igbo during the Biafran War, describing the Onitsha traders’ stance as symbolic of resilience.
The group urged residents of the former Biafra region to observe the sit-at-home in solidarity, while emphasising that participation should remain voluntary and lawful.
AVID also reiterated its call for the immediate release of Kanu and urged the Nigerian government to engage in dialogue to address grievances in the Southeast.
The organisation dismissed what it described as conflicting directives from other entities or factions that could undermine unity among Biafrans.
Additionally, AVID called on the international community, including the United States government, to monitor developments closely and support efforts toward a peaceful resolution.
The statement reads: “The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID), a non-profit organisation comprised of U.S. military veterans of Igbo ancestry focused on promoting Igbo cultural heritage and advocating for human rights in Nigeria’s Southeast region, today announces its full support for the sit-at-home observance scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, as called by Emma Powerful on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) loyal to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“This peaceful action stands as a powerful demonstration of unity and resistance against ongoing injustices faced by the Igbo people in Nigeria.
“AVID commends the Onitsha traders for their courageous rejection of Governor Charles Soludo’s unnecessarily forceful directives aimed at undermining the longstanding Monday sit-at-home tradition, which has served as a non-violent protest against systemic oppression, marginalisation, and the unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“We, as American military veterans of Igbo heritage who have served to protect freedom and human rights, recognise the sit-at-home as a legitimate expression of the Igbo people’s unyielding spirit.
“The Onitsha traders’ defiance is a beacon of hope, echoing the struggles our ancestors endured during the Biafran War.
“We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them and urge all Biafrans to observe this sit-at-home in solidarity, honouring the sacrifices made for justice and self-determination.
“AVID reaffirms its unwavering support for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB, whose advocacy for Biafran rights has inspired millions.
“We call on the Nigerian government to immediately release Kanu and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the grievances of the Igbo people.
“Furthermore, AVID dismisses any conflicting directives from any entity or faction trying to sow division and dilute the collective resolve of the Biafran people.
“As military veterans committed to global peace and equity, AVID encourages the international community, including the United States government, to monitor the situation closely and support efforts toward a fair resolution. The sit-at-home is not an act of disruption but a call for dignity and freedom.
“All in all, we urge our people to conduct themselves in accordance with the law and to understand that the sit-at-home is voluntary, not by compulsion.”
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