By Muhammad Mamman
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has condemned in strong terms the planned nationwide protests demanding the unconditional release of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
The coalition described the planned demonstrations as reckless, provocative, and a direct assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty and the sanctity of its judiciary.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the National Coordinator of CNG, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, said it was “morally reprehensible and politically irresponsible” for certain individuals to campaign for the release of a man whose actions, according to him, had led to widespread violence and destruction across the Southeast.
“It is morally reprehensible and politically irresponsible that some individuals who claim to be democrats are openly advocating for the release of a man whose violent secessionist agenda has claimed over 1,200 innocent lives, including more than 400 security personnel,” Charanchi said.
He alleged that IPOB’s campaign had resulted in the burning of more than 100 police stations and the destruction of property estimated at over N450 billion.
Charanchi accused some Igbo political and cultural elites, self-styled activists such as Omoyele Sowore, and a few “unpatriotic northern collaborators” of spearheading what he termed “a dangerous blackmail” against the Nigerian state aimed at intimidating the judiciary and destabilising the country’s fragile peace.
He urged the Federal Government to ensure that Kanu’s trial runs its full course without interference or political pressure, stressing that justice must not be delayed or diluted.
“No amount of street protest or emotional manipulation will erase these atrocities or compel the Nigerian state to compromise the rule of law,” he said.
The coalition also called on security agencies to remain alert and proactive in preventing any breakdown of law and order during the planned demonstrations.
It further demanded an investigation into individuals and organisations allegedly funding or coordinating the protests under the guise of human rights advocacy.
CNG cautioned President Bola Tinubu to uphold the principles of separation of powers and judicial independence by resisting any attempt to influence the judiciary or politicise the process.
The group appealed to peace-loving Nigerians, particularly citizens of the Southeast, to reject calls to anarchy, embrace dialogue, and support efforts promoting unity and national development.
“No nation can survive when treason is rewarded and justice is politicised,” Charanchi declared. “Releasing Nnamdi Kanu under mob pressure would embolden lawlessness and erode public confidence in justice.”
CNG reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rule of law, national unity, and the memory of those who lost their lives in pursuit of peace.
It called on Nigerians to “choose justice over sentiment and national interest over sectional appeasement,” warning that Nigeria must not bow to emotional blackmail.
“The law must take its course,” Charanchi concluded, “for without justice, there can be no peace.”
