The Ohanaeze Youth Council (OYC) has declared total support for the October 20 nationwide protest spearheaded by activist Omoyele Sowore. The demonstration seeks the unconditional release of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has remained in detention despite growing public calls for his freedom.
In a statement released on Monday, Comrade Igboayaka O. Igboayaka, OYC’s National President, criticised the Federal Government for the prolonged prosecution of the IPOB leader.
“The urgent call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release became clear when Boko Haram and bandits were pampered, granted amnesty, and reintegrated into the Nigerian Army,” Igboayaka said.
He explained that the October 20 Pan-Nigeria protest represents a united front demanding fairness and equality for all Nigerians.
“If Nnamdi Kanu is considered a terrorist, he should receive the same pardon given to Boko Haram members in northern Nigeria,” he added.
Protest to Highlight Injustice and National Unity
Igboayaka said the protest would expose the unequal justice system in Nigeria and promote national awareness on the need for fairness.
“The October 20 protest is about equality. It’s about ensuring no one is punished differently because of their tribe,” he said.
He questioned the government’s continued dialogue with armed groups while ignoring calls for talks with IPOB.
“Nnamdi Kanu can’t be judged by a different law while others guilty of terrorism are forgiven and celebrated,” Igboayaka stated.
He urged Igbo political, religious, and traditional leaders to unite in demanding Kanu’s release.
“I call on governors, senators, bishops, and traditional rulers to demand Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release,” he said.
He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to act swiftly to prevent unrest and strengthen national unity.
South-East Youth Leaders Join the Call
The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has joined the campaign, declaring readiness for a peaceful protest.
In a statement signed by its President General, Goodluck Ibem, the group said Kanu’s detention reflects a double standard in Nigeria’s justice system.
“While the government negotiates with known terrorist kingpins, Nnamdi Kanu remains in detention. This double standard questions the fairness of the system,” Ibem said.
He stressed that Kanu’s imprisonment “symbolizes the broader injustice faced by the Igbo people” and weakens the quest for peace and national reconciliation.
Ibem called on Nigerians to participate in the march. “We call on all who believe in justice and equity to join us in this noble cause,” he added.
Sowore Rallies Support Across Nigeria
Omoyele Sowore, the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate in 2023, is leading the protest.
He has reached out to top Igbo and national figures, including Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Abia Governor Alex Otti, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.
Sowore also confirmed contacting former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s team, saying his involvement would add political weight to the campaign for Kanu’s release.
Conclusion: Growing National Demand for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release
The October 20 nationwide protest has become a major platform for Nigerians seeking justice, fairness, and Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release.
Both the Ohanaeze Youth Council and South-East youth groups say the movement is about restoring equality, promoting peace, and ending perceived political bias.
As the protest day approaches, public interest continues to grow over how the Federal Government will respond to the renewed calls for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom.
