(DDM) – The Organization of Igbo Communities (OIC) has commended Nigerian youths across Abia, Lagos, and Abuja for their massive and peaceful turnout during today’s Free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu march, which drew nationwide attention and solidarity from millions of supporters across the country.
DDM gathered that the protest, which took place simultaneously in major Nigerian cities, was part of a coordinated civil movement calling for the immediate release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021 despite multiple court rulings ordering his freedom.
Speaking exclusively to DDM in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, Hon. Major Chukwuemeka Ukason, a prominent leader of the Organization of Igbo Communities (OIC), expressed deep admiration for the courage, discipline, and unity displayed by the protesters.
He described the peaceful nature of the demonstrations as “a sign of maturity and collective determination among Nigerian youths, especially those from the South-East, who continue to demand justice through lawful and organized means.”
According to him, the massive attendance in various cities, including Abia, Lagos, and Abuja, reflects growing national awareness and frustration over the prolonged detention of Mazi Kanu, which many believe remains a stumbling block to peace and stability in the region.
Hon. Ukason urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to “listen to the voice of reason” and order the immediate release of Kanu, stressing that such action would mark a major step toward reconciliation, dialogue, and long-lasting peace in the South-East.
He noted that many Igbo leaders and youth organizations across Nigeria and the diaspora have repeatedly called for political resolution rather than continued confrontation, warning that suppressing peaceful protesters or ignoring their demands could deepen mistrust between the government and the people.
DDM also gathered that today’s march witnessed a heavy presence of security operatives in some states, though the demonstrations remained largely peaceful, with protesters carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Justice for Nnamdi Kanu,” “Respect Court Orders,” and “Peace Through Freedom.”
Hon. Ukason reiterated OIC’s support for non-violent advocacy, emphasizing that dialogue, justice, and respect for the rule of law remain the only sustainable paths to national unity and progress.
He further appealed to international human rights organizations, the United Nations, and the African Union to intervene diplomatically and ensure that Nigeria upholds its constitutional obligations regarding fundamental human rights and lawful detention procedures.
“The release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” he said, “will not only heal wounds but also open a new chapter of peace, justice, and coexistence in the South-East and Nigeria at large.”
Hon. Ukason commended Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) for its balanced coverage of national issues and for amplifying the voices of marginalized communities calling for fairness and national healing.
He concluded by urging youths to remain calm, focused, and law-abiding as they continue to press for justice through peaceful and constitutional means, reaffirming that the struggle for freedom and equality must always be guided by discipline, unity, and truth.
