Protest Will Jeopardize Peace Efforts for Kanu’s Freedom, Igbo Leaders Warn
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and the Southeast Peaceful Youths Integration for Tinubu (SEPYIFT) have advised against the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Monday, October 20, calling instead for continued peaceful dialogue to secure the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In separate statements signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and Pastor Damian Onu, Leader of SEPYIFT, in Abakaliki, the groups cautioned that any protest at this time could derail ongoing political and legal efforts toward Kanu’s release.
They described the planned demonstration reportedly initiated by Omoyele Sowore and Atiku Abubakar as “anti-Igbo” and a veiled attempt to provoke unrest and undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Isiguzoro said Igbo leaders had been pursuing lawful and constructive engagements with the Federal Government for Kanu’s freedom, noting that efforts led by Hon. Obi Aguocha, Kanu’s appointed negotiator, were still ongoing.
He said: “Any attempt to politicize Kanu’s situation through protests or revolutionary calls is counterproductive. Those pushing for unrest are not acting in the interest of Ndigbo. We must not allow ourselves to be drawn into actions that could jeopardize peace or worsen Kanu’s legal situation.”
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He added that such protests could disrupt court proceedings and destabilize ongoing political negotiations being handled discreetly by prominent Igbo figures.
Isiguzoro urged all Nigerians, particularly those advocating equity and justice, to distance themselves from the planned protests, stressing that the Igbo community would not serve as “sacrificial pawns in a political script orchestrated by opportunistic politicians.”
He reaffirmed Ohanaeze’s confidence in President Tinubu’s commitment to national unity and reconciliation, highlighting recent appointments such as Senator Dave Umahi and Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu as indications of the administration’s openness to the Southeast.
“Ohanaeze, in collaboration with Southeast governors and ministers, remains committed to pursuing political solutions through dialogue and diplomacy, not confrontation,” he said.
In his own statement, SEPYIFT leader, Pastor Onu, urged youths in the region to resist being misled by individuals seeking political relevance through agitation.
He argued that the planned protest could heighten insecurity in the Southeast and disrupt economic activities, pointing out that similar situations did not occur when Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Igboho was arrested.
“When Igboho was detained, there were no protests in Lagos or Abuja. Why then should Sowore call on Igbos to protest over Kanu’s case? This agenda is not in our interest—it will only complicate matters for him,” Onu said.
Both groups appealed for patience and continued faith in diplomatic efforts, assuring that President Tinubu and notable Igbo leaders are already working toward achieving Kanu’s release through peaceful and constitutional means.
By PRNigeria
