The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has issued a statement urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to be swayed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and to ensure that IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu faces trial. The CNG expressed concern over the security situation in the southeastern part of Nigeria and called on federal authorities to resist campaigns of blackmail that demand Kanu’s release as a condition for peace.
The spokesperson for the CNG, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, stated that the coalition had observed the disturbances caused by IPOB and other groups in the South-East, characterized by violence and separatist activities. Suleiman criticized the enforcement of an illegal stay-at-home order, which mainly affected minority groups living in South-Eastern communities. He also highlighted the renewed determination of Igbo leaders and elders to secure Kanu’s unconditional release.
The CNG questioned the repercussions of releasing Kanu without trial, particularly concerning the families and communities affected by the violence instigated by him. They also raised concerns about the impact on the morale of security forces if the person responsible for inciting the killing of their colleagues was released. The statement emphasized the need for the federal authorities to resist calls for Kanu’s release, maintain the prosecution process, and prevent regional leaders from interfering with the course of justice.
Additionally, the CNG called on the government to take decisive action to disband all militias and armed groups in the South-East and other parts of Nigeria. They suggested resorting to the use of force if necessary to ensure that no group has the capacity to challenge the state’s authority to maintain law and order and protect citizens’ lives and properties.
Source: Vanguard
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