The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has rejected a call by the House of Representatives Minority Caucus for the release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The group said the brazen demand is an affront to the victims of Kanu’s alleged violent activities and a slap in the face of the Nigerian people.
CNG, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, said the Nigerian government arrested and charged Kanu over his activities.
CNG noted its previous actions against Kanu, noting that it had reported him to the United Nations on August 7, 2017, for his group’s activities, which they alleged to be terroristic.
They recall that the Nigerian government officially designated IPOB as a terrorist organisation on June 27, 2021, following Kanu’s arrest and subsequent charges related to incitement of violence, destruction of property, and the deaths of numerous Nigerian citizens and security personnel.
He said: “We reject this legislative rascality and remind Nigerians that we are shocked that House of Representatives members, including those from Northern Nigeria, are supporting the release of Kanu, who is being held on charges before a court of competent jurisdiction.
“This is a blatant attempt to subvert the rule of law and undermine the authority of the Nigerian judiciary,” even as the CNG accused Kanu’s group of perpetrating violence against northerners in the South-East.
“Where were they when the properties of the Northerners were destroyed by him? Are they elected for their personal benefits or for the interest of the citizens? It is shameful and disheartening to see a northern lawmaker contributing in such an unjust matter.
“We question the reassociation of such terrorists with the families, friends, and colleagues of his victims, especially the slain Nigerian military and police officers who died protecting this country as a result of Kanu’s incitement of terrorism.
“This will further demoralise the security operatives seeing the killer of their loved ones celebrated in the NASS instead of apprehended. Reminding Mr. President that this will only cause more harm to the peaceful coexistence of this country.
“We are not surprised by the position of the southeastern legislators as they, their governors, religious and traditional leaders have been accomplices and supporters of Nnamdi Kanu’s atrocities, but we condemn in totality all Northern lawmakers who endorsed this treachery.
“And salute the courageous and patriotic act of Hon. Aminu Jamo, representing Daura/Sandamu/Mai Adua federal constituency, who published a disclaimer on June 27, 2024, on this matter at the initial stage of the endorsement.
“Nigerians should rise up and reject this travesty, standing together against terrorism and those who enable it. We will not let the blood of our loved ones be in vain. We will not let terrorism prevail.”
