The Ndigbo World Union (NWU) has declared its support for the planned peaceful march to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, initiated by rights activist Omoyele Sowore to demand the unconditional release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. The group recently described the march as a legitimate and non-violent call for justice.
In a press statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Hon. Benjamin Nwankwo, and Secretary, Chief Charles Edemuzor, NWU called on Ndigbo at home and abroad to fully identify with the peaceful demonstration.
According to the union, Igbo groups and students across the country should participate peacefully and in large numbers, because Kanu’s continued detention is unfair.
The group stated that keeping the IPOB leader in custody until now is a stain on the conscience of any nation that claims to practice democracy and justice.
“Kanu remains the pre-eminent freedom fighter of Africa, a man illegally renditioned and unjustly detained in violation of both Nigerian law and international conventions.
This historic peaceful march to Aso Rock is not a protest of violence but a moral call for Nigeria to return to justice, humanity, and the rule of law,” it read.
Hailing Sowore and every politician backing the initiative, the group urged Igbo political leaders, including members of the Abia State House of Assembly, to support the movement.
The NWU concluded by cautioning participants to maintain discipline and avoid any form of violence or provocation during the protest.
“Let every Igbo union, student body, market association, church, town union, and diaspora chapter mobilize peacefully and massively. Let our presence be a testimony that we have not abandoned our own.
We must uphold peaceful comportment throughout this campaign. Let our chants be songs of peace; let our banners proclaim justice; let our feet march with dignity,” he added.
