The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned the recent call by 180 members of the House of Representatives Minority Caucus for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group designated as a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government.
Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, National Coordinator of the CNG, described the lawmakers’ demand as “reckless” and “a betrayal of the trust reposed in them by their constituents.”
He noted that the CNG had reported Kanu to the UN for his acts of terror against innocent Nigerians in 2017 and advocated for declaring his group a terrorist organization.
“This is a slap in the face of the Nigerian people, and a brazen attempt to subvert the rule of law and undermine the authority of the Nigerian judiciary,” Charanchi said. “We are shocked that lawmakers, including those from Northern Nigeria, are supporting the release of a terrorist being held on charges before a court of competent jurisdiction.”
The CNG recalled the Nigerian government’s declaration of Kanu as a terrorist on June 27, 2021, and his subsequent arrest and charging for his persistent call for anarchy in the nation, brutal killings of citizens, and destruction of properties.
The groups asked, “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?”
The CNG leader also questioned the motivations of the lawmakers, saying, “Are they elected for their personal benefits or for the interest of the citizens? This is a clear case of legislative rascality, and we reject it in its entirety.”
CNG commended Hon. Aminu Jamo, representing Daura/Sandamu/Mai Adua federal constituency, for his courageous and patriotic act of publishing a disclaimer on the matter.
The coalition also called on Nigerians to rise up and reject this “travesty,” standing together against terrorism and those who enable it.
“We will not let the blood of our loved ones be in vain,” Charanchi said. “We will not let terrorism prevail. We urge Mr. President to ignore this reckless call and ensure that justice is served.”
