The House of Representatives Minority Caucus called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), but the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has turned that request down.
The group claimed that the outrageous demand is a slap in the face of the Nigerian people and an insult to the victims of Kanu’s purported violent acts.
The Nigerian government detained and charged Kanu due to his activities, according to a statement released by CNG and signed by Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the organization’s national coordinator.
CNG outlined its prior measures against Kanu, saying that on August 7, 2017, it had reported him to the UN for the allegedly terrorist activities of his group.
They remember that on June 27, 2021, the Nigerian government formally declared IPOB to be a terrorist organization in response to Kanu’s arrest and charges of inciting violence, destroying property, and causing the deaths of multiple Nigerian civilians and security officials.
“We reject this legislative travesty and remind Nigerians that we are appalled that members of the House of Representatives, including those from Northern Nigeria, are endorsing Kanu’s release from detention, as he is facing charges before a court of competent jurisdiction,” the speaker declared.
“This is a clear attempt to weaken the authority of the Nigerian judiciary and subvert the rule of law,” the CNG declared, accusing Kanu’s group of using violence against the region’s northern residents.
“Where were they when he demolished the Northerners’ properties? Are they chosen in the citizens’ best interests or for their own personal gain? It is depressing and sad to witness a northern legislator involved in an injustice of this magnitude.
“We find it troubling that these terrorists are now associated with the family, friends, and coworkers of his victims—particularly the Nigerian military and police officers who lost their lives defending this nation as a result of Kanu’s incitement of terrorism.
The fact that the murderer of their loved ones is being glorified in the NASS rather than being caught will further demoralize the security personnel. I want to remind you, Mr. President, that this will only make things worse for our nation’s peaceful cohabitation.
“We are not shocked by the stance taken by the legislators in the Southeast, as they, together with their governors, religious and traditional leaders, have collaborated and supported Nnamdi Kanu’s crimes. However, we completely denounce all of the Northern MPs who supported this betrayal.
“And honor the valiant and nationalistic deed of Hon. Aminu Jamo, the federal constituency representative for Daura/Sandamu/Mai Adua, who issued a disclaimer on this issue on June 27, 2024, during the first phase of the endorsement.
Nigerians ought to come up and denounce this farce, uniting to oppose terrorism and those who condone it. We refuse to allow the blood of those we love to be shed in vain. We refuse to allow terrorism to win.
