The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has strongly condemned federal lawmakers, particularly those from the North, for supporting the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The call for Kanu’s release has gained significant traction, with several prominent Nigerians, including legislators, advocating for his freedom.
In a statement, the CNG described the support from northern lawmakers as treacherous and unpatriotic. The group expressed outrage that representatives from Northern Nigeria would endorse a move they perceive as disrespectful to the memory of those who died as a result of Kanu’s secessionist activities.
“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,” said Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG.
The CNG emphasized that the demand for Kanu’s release undermines the rule of law and the authority of the Nigerian judiciary. “This is a blatant attempt to subvert the rule of law and undermine the authority of the Nigerian judiciary,” Charanchi stated.
Charanchi also questioned the lawmakers’ stance, asking, “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 Coalition voiced concern that the actions of northern lawmakers could demoralize security operatives who have lost colleagues to the violence associated with IPOB. “This will further demoralize the security operatives seeing the killer of their loved ones celebrated in the National Assembly instead of being apprehended,” the statement read.
While recognizing that southeastern leaders, including legislators, governors, and traditional authorities, have historically supported Kanu, the CNG condemned northern lawmakers who have joined the cause. “We are not surprised by the position of the southeastern legislators, their governors, religious and traditional leaders, being accomplices and supporters of Nnamdi Kanu’s atrocities, but condemn in totality all Northern lawmakers who endorsed this treachery,” the group added.
The CNG’s statement highlights the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding the issue of Nnamdi Kanu’s detention and the broader implications for Nigeria’s unity and rule of law.
