IPOB: CNG tackles Nnamdi Kanu over ‘terrorism tendencies’, demands justice 

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) in reaction to the ongoing trial of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu has condemned what it called the terrorist tendencies of the proscribed organisation, saying he must be made to pay for the blood of security personnel and northerners that were killed by his organisation.

In a statement on Thursday by Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the national coordinator of CNG, his recent behaviour, including his brazen actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja last Monday where he called for violence and anarchy are deeply concerning and pose a serious threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria.

“By insulting the prosecuting lawyer and demanding the judge to rescuse himself from the case, Kanu has shown lack of respect for the legal process and the professionalism that should be maintained in a court of law. 

“His refusal to recognise the authority of the court and his inflammatory remarks about the judiciary being a ‘shrine to injustice’ are clear acts of contempt and abuse of the legal system and an act of terror that are punishable.

“Kanu in exile was at the centre of a subversive campaign against Nigeria and was subsequently arrested on October 14, 2015 and charged to court for treasonable felony, among other crimes,” he said.

According to CNG, while in exile, Kanu intensified subversive campaign, using online to instigate violence and incite members of IPOB to commit violent attacks against civil and democratic institutions, particularly the security personnel, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civilians mostly of northern extraction. 

According to CNG, “The demand for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu is not only unjust but also counterproductive to the efforts to restore peace and order in the country. It is imperative for the government to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is duly served in order to prevent further escalation of the crisis and to promote reconciliation and healing among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria.

“We demand that government ensures that justice is served by prosecuting and sentencing Kanu appropriately, in accordance with the laws of the land.”