The Coalition of Northern Groups has criticized federal lawmakers, particularly those from the north, for supporting the call to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Prominent Nigerians, including lawmakers, have increasingly called for Kanu’s release. However, CNG denounced this call as treacherous, labeling the northern lawmakers who support it as unpatriotic.
CNG expressed a degree of understanding towards southeastern governors and lawmakers, who they claimed have always backed Kanu, but found it inconceivable that any northern lawmaker would support such a move.
They argued that advocating for Kanu’s release disrespects those who lost their lives due to his secessionist actions and insults the Nigerian populace.
On August 7, 2017, the Northern Coalition reported Nnamdi Kanu to the United Nations, accusing him of committing terrorist acts against innocent Nigerians. CNG has also pushed for IPOB to be declared a terrorist organization.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the group said, “We reject this legislative rascality…”
“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.
“This will further demoralize the security operatives seeing the killer of their loved ones celebrated in the NASS instead of apprehended. 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. We will not let the blood of our loved ones be in vain. We will not let terrorism prevail,” it stated.
