- The Coalition of Northern Groups condemned the minority caucus’s call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release, labelling it a “treacherous” act
- CNG emphasized that Kanu’s release would undermine the rule of law and questioned lawmakers’ motives, highlighting the suffering of Northerners
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has responded to the minority caucus in the House of Representatives calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). This demand was made on Monday night at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel in Abuja, following a motion by Obi Aguocha, representing the Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency of Abia State.
The minority caucus comprises members from various parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Aguocha argued that Kanu’s release is essential for national peace, stability, and unity in the Southeast, advocating for “strategic engagement” with relevant stakeholders to achieve a peaceful political resolution.
In response, CNG stated on Tuesday. National Coordinator Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi expressed outrage over the call, describing it as “treacherous” and a “slap in the face of the Nigerian people.” The statement read:
“We reject this legislative rascality and remind Nigerians that this demand is an affront to the victims of Kanu’s terror activities.”
The CNG emphasized that Kanu is being held on charges before a court of competent jurisdiction, and his release would undermine the rule of law and the authority of the Nigerian judiciary. They questioned the motives of lawmakers, particularly those from Northern Nigeria, who supported Kanu’s release, highlighting the suffering of Northerners due to Kanu’s actions.
“Where were they when Nnamdi Kanu and his people were killing and are still killing Northerners in the East? Where were they when he destroyed the properties of Northerners? Are they elected for their benefit or the interests of the citizens? It is shameful and disheartening to see a Northern lawmaker contributing to such an unjust matter.”
The CNG called on Nigerians to reject what they termed a “travesty” and stand together against terrorism and its enablers, vowing not to let the sacrifices of their loved ones be in vain or allow terrorism to prevail.