The League of Igbo Youth Lawyers has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, as compensation for the South-East’s non-participation in the recent nationwide hunger protests.
The Executive Director, LIYOLAW, Stanley Okafor, made the appeal during a media briefing on Monday, stating that this would serve as a reciprocal gesture for the region’s peaceful conduct during the 10-day protest, and a demonstration of goodwill towards the South-East.
Okafor condemned any call for violent regime change and reaffirmed the South-East’s commitment to the Tinubu-led government.
He said, “We are appealing to the government of President Bola Tinubu to please give us our brother and don’t kill him.
He did not commit any offence by rising up to defend his people. We are not protesting against your government, neither are we up in riot against you. We are minded democrats who uphold democratic ideals.
“The region will continue to support President Tinubu throughout his tenure, regardless of circumstances. Any reevaluation of their stance will only occur during the next election cycle.”
He warned against attacks on Ndigbo, stating, “Biafra isn’t a threat to anyone, but simply occasioned by mistreatment of innocent Igbo people.”
He pointed out that Nigerians witnessed the challenges faced under former President Buhari, particularly his land acquisition policies that favoured a specific group.
He also noted the inconsistency in Sunday Igboho being allowed to go free after challenging former President Buhari’s controversial land acquisition policies, while Nnamdi Kanu remains imprisoned.
Okafor emphasised the need for equal treatment, stating, “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.”
Okafor highlighted Igbo people’s commitment to nation-building, stating, “While the Igbo are capable of defending themselves, our focus is on building a stronger nation.”
He acknowledged the right to peaceful protest, but emphasized that the Igbo community would not participate in demonstrations that would undermine national unity.