The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), said it is utterly dismayed and outraged by the call from members of the House of Representatives Minority Caucus for the release of Nnamdi Kanu the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
National coordinator CNG Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi in a statement, yesterday, said this demand is an affront to the victims of Kanu’s terror activities and a slap on the face of the Nigerian people.
He said the CNG had on 7th August, 2017 reported Nnamdi Kanu to the UN for his acts of terror against innocent Nigerians and advocated for declaring Kanu’s group a terrorist organization, a designation they rightfully hold today.
The statement reads in part, “Nigerians may recall that the Nigerian government on 27th June, 2021, declared Nnamdi Kanu as a terrorist, arrested and charged him as a result of his persistent call for anarchy in the nation, brutal killings of citizens, dislodging Military and Police stations (over forty–eight stations) in the east, killing over five hundred uniformed men, destroyed, burnt and looted over one hundred and fifty trailers loaded with commodities from the North, called for the attack on individuals’ properties and government institutions during the Endsars protest, mobilized ethnic leaching in the country, attacked and destroyed the Oba of Lagos palace and bragging about the abduction of the Oba’s staff of office.
“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 a terrorist 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. Where were they when Nnamdi Kanu and his people were killing and are still killing the Northerners in the 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 association of such terrorist 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 demoralize 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 them, their governors, religious and traditional leaders have been accomplices and supporters of Nnamdi Kanu’s atrocities, but 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 27th June, 2024 on this matter at the initial stage of the endorsement.”
