Kanu: CNG accuses Obi’s of prioritising ethnic loyalty over national security

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), on Thursday, condemned former presidential candidate under the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, for supporting the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and warned northern voters against politicians who prioritise ethnic interests over national security.

CNG criticised Kanu’s recent courtroom behaviour, where he allegedly insulted the prosecuting lawyer and demanded the judge recuse himself, insisting that Kanu must be held accountable for his alleged incitement of violence, attacks on security personnel, and killings of northern citizens.

In a statement released by CNG National Coordinator, Jamilu Charanchi, the group described Kanu’s conduct, both in and out of court, as disrespectful to the rule of law and a threat to national stability.

The group described Obi’s stance as a betrayal of national unity and an insult to the victims of IPOB’s violence, particularly in northern Nigeria.

The CNG emphasised that Kanu has a history of inciting violence, particularly through online broadcasts from Radio Biafra, which allegedly encouraged attacks on security forces, electoral institutions, and innocent civilians, especially those of northern origin.

The group argued that Kanu’s actions have led to hundreds of deaths, destruction of property, and attacks on security personnel, yet Obi continues to demand his freedom while seeking political support from Nigerians, including northerners.

Charanchi said: “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.

“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. 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.”

The CNG reiterated its stance that if the Southeast desires secession, the process must be peaceful and well-organised to avoid further bloodshed.

The CNG also linked IPOB’s activities to the 2020 #EndSARS protests, alleging that Kanu took advantage of the movement to incite violence against government institutions and northern communities.

According to the group, IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have carried out numerous violent attacks, including the killing of over 500 northerners residing in the Southeast; murder of 175 security personnel, including 128 police officers and 37 military personnel; destruction of public and private properties, including police stations, correctional centres, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, and traditional institutions; the attack on the Owerri Correctional Facility, which led to the escape of 1,841 inmates; burning of 164 police stations and the theft of 396 firearms and over 17,000 rounds of ammunition.

It recalled its Kaduna Declaration, which called for a structured approach to allow pro-Biafra agitators to pursue their aspirations without endangering national security.

The coalition has also petitioned the Nigerian government, the United Nations, and foreign diplomatic missions, urging international intervention to prevent further violence.