Ohanaeze Youth Council Backs October 20 Protest Demanding Nnamdi Kanu's Release

Table of Contents

1. OYC Endorses Nationwide Protest
2. Organizer of the Protest
3. Statement from OYC
4. Call to Action
5. Advice to President Tinubu

The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has expressed its support for the nationwide protest scheduled for October 20th, advocating for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This protest is being organized by Omoyele Sowore, the 2023 presidential candidate for the African Action Congress (AAC) and a notable activist.

In a statement released on Monday by the National President, Comrade Igboayaka .O Igboayaka, the Ohanaeze Youth Council criticized the ongoing prosecution and detention of the IPOB leader.

Part of the statement noted, “The urgent and compelling call for Nnamdi Kanu's release by concerned Nigerians has become increasingly apparent, especially in light of the fact that Boko Haram members and bandits have been coddled, given amnesty, and integrated into the Nigerian Army. This situation has raised national and international questions about why the Federal Government continues to detain Nnamdi Kanu.”

“The purpose of the October 20th Pan-Nigeria protest is to affirm that all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity, region, or religion, deserve equal treatment and justice, whether from the North or the South-East.”

“This Pan-Nigeria protest regarding Nnamdi Kanu's release serves as a direct warning to the Federal Government. If they classify Nnamdi Kanu as a terrorist, he should receive a pardon and be released, just like other Boko Haram members and bandits in northern Nigeria.”

“Nnamdi Kanu should not be subjected to a different legal standard, detained, and prosecuted while Boko Haram members and bandits are forgiven and reintegrated into the Nigerian Army and society.”

“The October 20th PAN-Nigeria protest for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu aims to raise national awareness about the injustice he has faced, stemming from his tribal identity rather than any actual crimes committed.”

“The Pan-Nigeria Protest represents a critical question posed by discerning Nigerians, challenging the Federal Government’s rationale for negotiating with Boko Haram and bandits while refusing to engage in dialogue with the Indigenous People of Biafra and their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.”

“For those curious about the potential outcomes of the protest, or whether President Bola Tinubu will respond by releasing Nnamdi Kanu, it’s important to recognize that since Comrade Omoyele Sowore initiated this protest, a considerable number of Nigerians from various geopolitical regions have raised their voices in unity, seeking a collective solution and political resolution for Nnamdi Kanu’s situation.”

The leader of the Ohanaeze Youth Council has called upon all Igbos to support the protest.

“I urge Igbo political leaders at all levels, both past and present—governors, senators, House of Representatives members, religious leaders, Catholic bishops, Anglican bishops, Methodist bishops, Seventh-Day Adventists, and traditional leaders—to raise their voices in protest for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.”

“I advise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevent Nigeria from descending into chaos and turmoil. In the interest of national integration, political stability, and ethnic cohesion, he should heed the voices of Nigerians by instructing the Attorney General of the Federation to withdraw all charges against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and grant him unconditional release.”