The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned federal legislators, especially those from the Northern region, for backing the demand to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The push for Kanu’s release has garnered support from notable Nigerians, including lawmakers, who are calling for his liberation. In a statement released by the CNG, the group criticized the endorsement of northern legislators as disloyal and lacking in patriotism.
The Coalition was upset that lawmakers from the North supported something they felt disrespected the memory of those who died because of Kanu’s separatist 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,” Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, the National Coordinator of CNG stated.
The group mentioned that asking for Kanu to be set free weakens the legal system and the power of the Nigerian courts.
“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?” Charanchi questioned.
The Coalition expressed dissatisfaction with northern lawmakers, saying that their actions might discourage security forces who have lost fellow members to the violence linked with IPOB.
The statement read, “This will further demoralize the security operatives seeing the killer of their loved ones celebrated in the NASS instead of apprehended.”
The group understood that leaders from the southeast have traditionally backed Kanu, but they criticized northern lawmakers for supporting him.
The group further stated, “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.”