The Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders’ Assembly has appealed for calm during the planned Oct. 20 peaceful protest for the release of the detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Convener of the group, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu, made the call in Awka on Thursday after the Assembly’s emergency meeting.
The coalition includes the National Youth Council of Nigeria, National Association of Nigerian Students, Youth Wing of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and Anambra State Association of Town Unions (Youth Wing).
Recall that Human rights activist and Omoyele Sowore, has announced he will lead a protest march on Oct. 20 to demand the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
Okpalaezeukwu urged participants to avoid violence.
“On the Oct. 20 protest, we call on Igbo indigenes, home and abroad, to ensure proper conduct of themselves and not fall victim of any unforseen circumstances.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will not want any innocent blood shed on his behalf,” he said.
The group commended Southeast governors and Ohanaeze leadership for efforts toward ensure peace in the region
They urged them to intensify pressure on the Federal Government to release Kanu, describing it as a political solution to insecurity in the region.
“We call on the Federal Government to extend its recent good disposition by 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 want peace, unity and justice to prevail ,”he added.
Also speaking, Mr. Chuks Okafor of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) said the release of Nnamdi Kanu was long overdue, urging the Federal Government to act without further delay.
In his remarks, Mr. Innocent Nduanya, Deputy President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), appealed to participants in the planned protest to remain peaceful and avoid any form of violence or destruction of public property.
