The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, alongside South-East governors and ministers, has rejected the planned October 20 nationwide protest calling for the unconditional release of detained IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The organisation, in a joint statement issued on Thursday by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, its factional Deputy President-General, and Chief Chinyereze Thompson Ohia, its National Spokesperson, warned that the protest—allegedly backed by Atiku Abubakar and Omoyele Sowore—was a “ploy to destabilize Nigeria and incite unrest under the guise of seeking justice for Nnamdi Kanu.”
“We view this purported demonstration with extreme suspicion and firmly believe it to be a thinly veiled attempt at fomenting unrest, destabilizing President Bola Tinubu’s government, and exploiting the genuine concerns of Ndigbo for political ends,” the statement read.
The group described the planned protest as a “booby trap” designed to exploit sentiments around Kanu’s detention and draw unsuspecting Igbo citizens into a confrontation with security forces.
Ohanaeze further alleged that the move was being funded by “elements associated with Atiku and his allies” to replicate the chaos of the #EndSARS protests, warning that such actions could lead to violence, looting, and loss of lives.
Instead, the group reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing Kanu’s release through political dialogue and judicial processes, insisting that “no genuine Igbo interest is served through unrest.”
“We call on all Nigerians, especially the Igbo, to distance themselves from the planned protest. Those truly committed to Nnamdi Kanu’s freedom should support the ongoing legal and political negotiations led by Hon. Obi Aguocha,” the statement added.
Ohanaeze also urged the security agencies to remain vigilant while appealing to the public to avoid actions capable of jeopardizing peace and stability in the region.
