The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has called on Nigerian authorities to hold the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, responsible for killings of innocent Nigerians especially northerners in the South-East region.
The CGN, in a statement signed on Thursday in Abuja by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, said Kanu’s penchant for arrogance as exhibited by his brazen actions in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, are deeply concerning and pose a serious threat to the peace and stability of Nigeria.
Charanchi stated that Kanu’s unremorseful stance during the trial where he is facing terrorism charges, by insulting the prosecuting lawyer and demanding the judge to recuse herself from the case, shows a lack of respect for the legal process and the professionalism that should be maintained in a court of law.
“His refusal to recognise the authority of the court and his inflammatory remarks about the judiciary being a ‘shrine to injustice’ are clear acts of contempt that undermine the credibility of the legal system,” the CNG said.
“Kanu’s contemptuous behaviour towards the Nigerian government and judiciary has not only undermined the rule of law but has also incited violence and division within the country.
“The CNG has been at the forefront of addressing the violent and extremist actions of the IPOB and their quest for a separate state of Biafra.
“The CNG has consistently warned against the dangers of allowing such movements to gain momentum and has called for a peaceful process for separation to prevent further bloodshed and anarchy in Nigeria.
“The Kaduna declaration made by the CNG highlights the need for the Igbo people to leave northern Nigeria and join their Biafran brethren in the East to pursue their dream of a separate nation. This declaration was a response to the violent and hateful rhetoric and actions of IPOB, which have targeted the state and other ethnic groups in Nigeria.
“The CNG has made several representations to the Nigerian government, the United Nations, and foreign diplomatic missions to draw attention to the escalating violence and threats posed by IPOB.
“The coalition has called for international intervention to facilitate a peaceful separation and prevent the country from descending into another civil war.
“Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, has been at the centre of a subversive campaign against the Nigerian State. Consequently, Nnamdi Kanu was arrested on 14th October 2015 and charged to court for treasonable felonies, among other crimes. He was granted bail by the Federal High Court, Abuja, on 25th April 2017. He, however, breached the bail conditions and fled abroad,” it added.
“The CNG urges the government to take decisive action against Kanu and his followers to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that those who engage in contemptuous behaviour are held accountable. It is only through accountability and justice that Nigeria can move towards peace and unity.”