Chinedum Elekwachi
Leaders of Igbo youths in Anambra state have called on Ndigbo to conduct themselves properly during the planned Monday protest for the release of detained leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Human rights activist and former Presidential Candidate of African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore had announced his plans to lead a protest march on October 20 to demand Kanu’s release.
The youth leaders under the agies of Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly said the call was necessary so as not to fall victim of unforseen circumstances.
Delivering the communique Thursday on behalf of the group after its emergency meeting in Awka, State Chairman, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalezeukwu said the IPOB leader would not want any innocent blood to be shed on his behalf.
He also commended leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, the Governors of Igbo Extraction and other notable leaders and stakeholders for their commitment to relative peace in the region.
Sustained pressure needed
He however called on them to up their ante by mounting more pressure on Federal Government to take the needful action.
He said, “We recognize their several calls for the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“We wish to state that we welcome the solidarity and support of the conveners and supporters of the planned October 20 PEACEFUL PROTEST to demand the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“We have since, been calling for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. We however see this development as a national action against Injustice.
“We therefore call on other ethnic regions and all lovers of justice, to join the demand for the unconditional release of Mazi Kanu
“We call on the Federal Government to extend its recent good disposition to Ndigbo by granting amnesty to the agitators and releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“This is in view of the fact that the Federal Government has not been able to convict him of the charges against him. We advocate for Kanu’s release as a political solution to the numerous security challenges in Ala Igbo.
“On the October 20 protest, we call on Ndigbo, home and abroad, to ensure absolute proper conduct of themselves and not fall victim of any unforseen circumstances. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not want any innocent blood to be shed on his behalf.
“Finally, we want Peace but not the Peace of the grave yard, we want unity but not the unity of a slave and a master, We demand justice, because a people denied justice have no interest for peace.”
