The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders’ Assembly has called for peace and restraint during the planned October 20 protest demanding the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Convener of the group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, made the appeal on Thursday in Awka after an emergency meeting of the Assembly, which comprises the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, and the Anambra State Association of Town Unions (Youth Wing).
Okpalaezeukwu urged protesters to conduct themselves peacefully and avoid any form of violence during the demonstration.
“On the Oct. 20 protest, we call on Igbo indigenes, both at home and abroad, to ensure proper conduct and not fall victim to any unforeseen circumstances. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not want any innocent blood shed on his behalf,” he said.
He commended Southeast governors and Ohanaeze Ndigbo leaders for their ongoing efforts to maintain peace in the region, urging them to intensify pressure on the Federal Government to release Kanu, describing it as a crucial political solution to insecurity in the Southeast.
“We call on the Federal Government to extend its recent goodwill by releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, especially since he has not been convicted of any charges. We want peace, unity, and justice to prevail,” Okpalaezeukwu added.
Also speaking, Mr. Chuks Okafor of NANS said Kanu’s release was long overdue, urging the government to act without further delay.
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In a similar vein, Mr. Innocent Nduanya, Deputy President of NYCN, appealed to participants in the planned protest to remain peaceful and refrain from any form of violence or destruction of public property.
The planned October 20 protest, announced by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, aims to pressure the Federal Government into releasing the detained IPOB leader, whose continued incarceration has sparked widespread agitation across the Southeast.
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