1 week ago
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From Charity Nwakaudu, Abuja
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB),while also warning political figures to desist from the advocacy.
CNG in a statement released on Thursday by Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, its National Coordinator, accused IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), of violent attacks against security personnel, government institutions, and civilians.
The group claimed that IPOB’s activities have led to the deaths of 175 security personnel and the destruction of police stations, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, and other public infrastructure.
CNG further criticized Kanu’s recent conduct in court, alleging that he insulted the prosecuting lawyer and undermined the judiciary’s integrity. The group maintained that his rhetoric incites violence and threatens national unity, calling on the federal government to ensure that he faces justice.
The coalition also took aim at Peter Obi, accusing him of prioritizing ethnic interests by advocating for Kanu’s release. CNG warned northern voters against supporting any politician aligning with IPOB, stating that such alliances disregard the suffering of Nigerians affected by the group’s actions.
CNG reiterated its demand for international intervention to facilitate a peaceful separation of the South-East from Nigeria, arguing that the continued agitation for Biafra destabilizes the nation. The group urged the government to resist any pressure to release Kanu unconditionally, warning that doing so would embolden separatist movements and undermine national security.
The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) condemns in the strongest terms the terrorist tendencies of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed terror outfit, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“Kanu’s recent behavior, including his brazen actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday where he faces trial for calls 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 recuse himself from the case, Kanu has shown a lack of respect for the legal process and the professionalism that should be maintained in a court of law.
“His refusal to recognize the authority of the court and his inflammatory remarks about the judiciary being a “shrine to injustice” are clear acts of contempt that undermine the credibility of the legal system.
“Kanu’s contemptuous behavior towards the Nigerian government and judiciary has not only undermined the rule of law but has also incited violence and division within the country.
“The CNG has been at the forefront of addressing the violent and extremist actions of the IPOB and their quest for a separate state of Biafra.
“The CNG has consistently warned against the dangers of allowing such movements to gain momentum and has called for a peaceful process for separation to prevent further bloodshed and anarchy in Nigeria.
“The Kaduna Declaration made by the CNG highlighted the need for the Igbo people to leave northern Nigeria and join their Biafran brethren in the East to pursue their dream of a separate nation. This declaration was a response to the violent and hateful rhetoric and actions of IPOB, which have targeted the state and other ethnic groups in Nigeria.
“The CNG has made several representations to the Nigerian government, the United Nations, and foreign diplomatic missions to draw attention to the escalating violence and threats posed by IPOB.
“The coalition has called for international intervention to facilitate a peaceful separation and prevent the country from descending into another civil war.
“The demand for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu by Igbo leaders and elites is not only misguided but also insensitive to the feelings and aspirations of those who have been affected by the violence and unrest caused by IPOB’s activities.”
The group said at the forefront of the “calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu is Peter Obi, an Igbo politician who is shamelessly seeking the votes of Nigerians to become president”.
It said, “This is a troubling development, as Kanu has been responsible for inciting violence and unrest in Nigeria with the blood of innocent Nigerians, particularly from the Northern region where hundreds of lives have been lost as a result of his actions.
“It is deeply concerning that Peter Obi, a supposed leader, would align himself with someone like Kanu, who has blood on his hands and has caused so much suffering and division in the country. It is the height of insensitivity and irresponsibility for Obi to ignore the pain and loss that Kanu’s actions have caused, simply because they share the same ethnicity.
“The fact that Obi is seeking the votes of Nigerians, including those from the Northern region, while advocating for Kanu’s release is a clear indication of his lack of concern for the lives and well-being of fellow northern Nigerian citizens. It is a betrayal of trust and a disregard for the suffering that has been inflicted on innocent people as a result of Kanu’s incitement.
“We call on all Northern voters to be wary of politicians like Peter Obi who are willing to sacrifice the safety and security of other constituents in order to further their own political ambitions.
“In light of this troubling development, we regret ever being political allies with the South East, as it is clear that their leaders are willing to put their own interests above the safety and security of the country as a whole.
“It is time for us to come together as a nation and reject divisive and irresponsible leaders who are more concerned with their own power and influence than with the well-being of the people they are supposed to serve.
English (US) ·