The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly criticized the actions of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), insisting that he must be held accountable for the violence and bloodshed attributed to his movement.
In a statement issued on Thursday, CNG’s National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, described Kanu’s conduct at the Federal High Court in Abuja as a threat to national stability.
“By insulting the prosecuting lawyer and demanding the judge 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,” the group stated.
CNG accused Kanu of undermining the rule of law through his remarks, which it described as inflammatory. It reiterated its stance against IPOB’s secessionist agenda, emphasizing that previous warnings about the dangers of violent separatist movements must not be ignored.
The coalition recalled its Kaduna Declaration, which urged the Igbo community to relocate to the South East to pursue their self-determination ambitions, citing concerns over IPOB’s rhetoric and actions.
CNG further alleged that Kanu’s broadcasts from exile incited attacks on security personnel, government institutions, and northern Nigerians residing in the South East. It referenced the proscription of IPOB as a terrorist organization in 2017 and claimed that despite this designation, Kanu continued to direct violent activities.
The statement also linked IPOB’s armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), to attacks on law enforcement, destruction of public property, and targeted killings.
Regarding the 2020 #EndSARS protests, CNG asserted that Kanu exploited the movement to incite violence against northern citizens and security agencies.
“As a result of these broadcasts, members of IPOB attacked and killed more than 500 northerners living as minorities in the South East, security personnel, and burnt down police stations, correctional centres, INEC offices, and private properties,” the statement alleged.
CNG accused prominent political figures, including Peter Obi, of supporting calls for Kanu’s release, describing this stance as insensitive to victims of IPOB-led violence.
“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 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 (reportedly) 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.
“It is imperative that we stand up against leaders like Peter Obi who are willing to turn a blind eye to the suffering and violence caused by individuals like Nnamdi Kanu. The families of those who have lost their lives as a result of Kanu’s incitement deserve justice and closure, and releasing him without due process would only serve to further inflame tensions and perpetuate a cycle of violence and retribution
The group concluded by reaffirming its commitment to national stability, urging authorities to uphold the rule of law and prevent further violence.
