By Praise Chinecherem
League of Igbo Youth Lawyers (LIYOLAW) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to release detained Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as compensation for the non-participation of Southeast region in the recent nationwide protests.
National President, Stanley Okafor, Esq made the appeal at a media briefing in Awka, Anambra State on Anti Tinubu protests, the South East and impact on the socio-political Equation in Nigeria.
He explained that the gesture would serve as reciprocity for the region’s peaceful conduct during the 10-day protest, and a demonstration of goodwill towards the Southeast.
“We’re appealing to the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to please give us our brother and don’t kill him.
“He didn’t commit any offense by rising up to defend his people. We’re not protesting against your government, neither are we up in riot against you. We’re minded democrats who uphold democratic ideals,” Okafor said.
LIYOLAW President further condemned any call for violent regime change and reaffirmed the Southeast’s commitment to the Tinubu-led government.
He however warned against attacks on Ndigbo, insisting that Biafra is not a threat to anyone, but simply occasioned by mistreatment of innocent Igbo people.
He expressed worry over inconsistency in the freedom being enjoyed by Sunday Igboho after challenging former President Buhari’s controversial land acquisition policies, while Nnamdi Kanu remains imprisoned.
He said, “Nigerians witnessed the challenges faced under former President Buhari, particularly his land acquisition policies that favoured a specific group.
“If Igboho can walk free, why not Kanu? The principle of fairness dictates that what applies to one should apply to the other.
“Even when the Igbos declared that they don’t want to protest, some people in Lagos still went ahead to campaign against them.
“We want to warn those who think they own this country that nobody has the monopoly of violence, otherwise it will consume them. It’s easy to start a fire, but difficult to quench it.”
Acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Okafor emphasized that the Igbo community would not participate in demonstrations that would undermine national unity.
“While the Igbo are capable of defending themselves, our focus is on building a stronger nation. We will continue to support President Tinubu throughout his tenure, regardless of circumstances. Any re-evaluation of their stance will only occur during the next election.
