A prominent northern advocacy group, the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has issued a scathing rebuke against political figures and regional leaders pushing for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The organization strongly condemned the calls for Kanu’ s freedom, warning that any politician, including former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who aligns with IPOB’ s cause should be viewed as a threat to national security....Read Full Article >>➤
CNG’ s Position On IPOB And Security Concerns
In a statement released on Thursday, the National Coordinator of CNG, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, accused IPOB and its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), of orchestrating violent attacks that have destabilized parts of southeastern Nigeria. The group alleged that IPOB’ s activities had led to the deaths of at least 175 security operatives and the destruction of critical government infrastructure, including police stations, offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and other public institutions.
The coalition further insisted that IPOB’ s campaign for secession has been marked by aggression, lawlessness, and an outright disregard for the sovereignty of Nigeria. It expressed concerns that continued demands for Kanu’ s release were not only misplaced but also emboldened separatist elements who seek to undermine the nation’ s stability.
Condemnation Of Kanu’ s Court Conduct
CNG also took issue with Kanu’ s recent conduct in court, describing his behavior as an open display of defiance against the judiciary. The group claimed that Kanu insulted the prosecuting attorney and made inflammatory statements that questioned the credibility of Nigeria’ s legal system. His refusal to acknowledge the legitimacy of the court, according to the coalition, is evidence of his continued disregard for the rule of law.
” Kanu’ s courtroom conduct, marked by direct insults toward legal representatives and calls for the judge to step down, signals a blatant disrespect for due process, ” CNG’ s statement asserted. ” His claims about judicial corruption are incendiary and weaken public faith in the country’ s legal institutions. ”
The coalition asserted that Kanu’ s rhetoric continues to incite unrest and division, making his release a dangerous proposition. It urged the federal government to resist any pressure to grant him freedom, emphasizing that his trial must be concluded in accordance with the law.
Criticism Of Peter Obi And Other Igbo Leaders
” It is troubling that a politician like Peter Obi, who seeks support from Nigerians nationwide, would associate with someone responsible for violence and destruction. the statement said. ” This not only undermines national trust but also suggests he places ethnic loyalties above the country’ s overall welfare. ”
CNG called on northern voters to be wary of politicians who appear sympathetic to IPOB’ s cause, warning that such figures should not be trusted with leadership positions. The group further accused Igbo elites of attempting to manipulate the political landscape by leveraging ethnic grievances to push their own agenda.
Call For International Intervention And Peaceful Separation
In a bold declaration, CNG reiterated its call for an international- led process to facilitate a peaceful separation of the South- East from the rest of Nigeria. The group insisted that the repeated agitations for an independent Biafra were a clear sign that the region was no longer interested in being part of the Nigerian state.
” As a coalition that prioritizes stability and security, we have repeatedly emphasized that if a section of the country is insistent on secession, then it is time for serious discussions on how to facilitate that process peacefully, ” the statement read. ” Rather than continue to endure a state of constant agitation, the government should consider diplomatic engagement with relevant international bodies to explore pathways for an amicable separation. ”
CNG also pointed out that it had previously submitted memoranda to the United Nations and various foreign missions, highlighting what it described as the growing threat posed by IPOB’ s violent activities.
Rejection Of Amnesty for Kanu And Security Implications
The group warned that any attempt to release Kanu without due legal consequences would be seen as an endorsement of violence and lawlessness. It argued that the morale of security forces, who have faced direct attacks from IPOB militants, would be severely damaged if the government were to capitulate to calls for his release.
” Setting Kanu free would be an insult to the security officers who have laid down their lives in the battle against IPOB’ s insurgency, ” CNG declared. ” The legal process must be followed, ensuring that those guilty of violent crimes face the consequences of their actions. ”
Furthermore, the coalition labeled IPOB’ s demands for an independent Biafra as an existential threat to Nigeria’ s unity. It insisted that Kanu’ s past rhetoric, which has included calls for armed resistance, genocide, and mass uprising, warranted strict legal action rather than leniency.
Final Warning To Igbo Leaders And Politicians
Concluding its statement, CNG issued a stark warning that any Igbo leader persistently lobbying for Kanu’ s release should be viewed as an enabler of terrorism. The group emphasized that political and traditional figures who advocate for his unconditional freedom are complicit in endangering national security.
” We strongly urge the government to classify any individual or group pushing for Kanu’ s release as a national security threat, ” the statement said. ” These calls are not innocent or well- intended; they are calculated moves to destabilize the country. The suffering of Nigerians affected by IPOB’ s activities cannot simply be ignored for political expediency. “
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