Nnamdi Kanu Must Be Held Accountable – Northern Groups

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned in the strongest terms Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement by the national coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, yesterday in Abuja, it said Kanu’s recent behaviour, including his brazen actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, where he faces trial for calls for violence and anarchy, are deeply concerning and pose a serious threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria.

By insulting the prosecuting lawyer and demanding the judge to 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.

“His refusal to recognise the authority of the court and his inflammatory remarks about the judiciary being a ‘shrine to injustice’ are clear acts of contempt that undermine the credibility of the legal system.

“Kanu’s contemptuous behaviour towards the Nigerian government and judiciary has not only undermined the rule of law but has also incited violence and division within the country.

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“The CNG has been at the forefront of addressing the violent and extremist actions of the IPOB and their quest for a separate state of Biafra,” it said.

The CNG said it has consistently warned against the dangers of allowing such movements to gain momentum and has called for a peaceful process for separation to prevent further bloodshed and anarchy in Nigeria.

It said the Kaduna declaration made by the CNG highlighted the need for the Igbo people to leave northern Nigeria and join their Biafran brethren in the East to pursue their dream of a separate nation, adding that this declaration was a response to the violent and hateful rhetoric and actions of IPOB, which have targeted the state and other ethnic groups in Nigeria.

“The CNG has made several representations to the Nigerian government, the United Nations, and foreign diplomatic missions to draw attention to the escalating violence and threats posed by IPOB.

“The coalition has called for international intervention to facilitate a peaceful separation and prevent the country from descending into another civil war,” it said.

“Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been at the centre of a subversive campaign against the Nigerian State. Consequently, Nnamdi Kanu was arrested on 14th October 2015 and charged to court for treasonable felonies, among other crimes. He was granted bail by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on 25th April 2017. He, however, breached the bail conditions and fled abroad,” it added.

It said there were several IPOB/ESN attacks and destruction (arson) of public and private properties during the EndSARS and Biafra agitations across the country, especially in the South-East and South-South regions.

It added that the destructive activities of IPOB/ESN pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s national security and its corporate existence, which resulted in the re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu and members of his group.

“It has also been established that Kanu is not alone in his subversive activities. He has accomplices in Nigeria and abroad, individuals and groups, and state and non-state actors who are aiding and facilitating his campaign against the people and state of Nigeria. Some of the state actors aided Kanu, even as a fugitive, in his destructive mission, ignoring the terrorist nature of his activities,” it added.

The CNG urged the government to take decisive action against Kanu and his followers to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that those who engage in contemptuous behaviour are held accountable. It said that only through accountability and justice can Nigeria move towards peace and unity.