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CNG condemns Obi support for Nnamdi Kanu, warns northern voters
The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), has condemned former presidential candidate Peter Obi for supporting the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and warned northern voters against politicians who prioritize ethnic interests over national security.
CNG criticized Kanu’s recent courtroom behavior, where he allegedly insulted the prosecuting lawyer and demanded the judge recuse himself, and insisted that Kanu must be held accountable for his alleged incitement of violence, attacks on security personnel, and killings of northern citizens.
In a statement released by CNG National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, described Kanu’s conduct, both in and out of court as disrespectful to the rule of law and a threat to national stability.
The group described Obi’s stance as a betrayal of national unity and an insult to the victims of IPOB’s violence, particularly in northern Nigeria.
The CNG emphasized that Nnamdi Kanu has a history of inciting violence, particularly through online broadcasts from Radio Biafra, which allegedly encouraged attacks on security forces, electoral institutions, and innocent civilians, especially those of northern origin.
The group argued that Kanu’s actions have led to hundreds of deaths, destruction of property, and attacks on security personnel, yet Obi continues to demand his freedom while seeking political support from Nigerians, including northerners.
Charanchi said: “We demand that government ensures that justice is served by prosecuting and sentencing Kanu appropriately, in accordance with the laws of the land
“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 behavior are held accountable for their actions. Only through accountability and justice can Nigeria move towards peace and unity.
“The Nigerian government must take decisive action to address the threat posed by Kanu and IPOB. His calls for war, genocide, and violence must be met with swift and appropriate measures to protect the lives and rights of all Nigerians. Any Igbo leader pleading for the unconditional release of Kanu must henceforth be held as terrorist and complicit.
“We demand urgent action to check the activities and clamors of IPOB, supported by a significant portion of the Igbo elites, politicians, traditional rulers, and business persons, which have had a destabilizing effect on Nigeria as a whole and pushed the country to the brink of disintegration, threatening the unity and stability of the nation.
“The support for IPOB from within the Igbo community which has further exacerbated the situation, leading to a deepening of divisions and animosities between different ethnic groups in the country must be checked by government and everyone found complicit be appropriately punished.
“The demand for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu by Igbo leaders and elites must be discredited, investigated and punished as it is not only misguided but also insensitive to the feelings and aspirations of those who have been affected by the violence and unrest caused by IPOB’s activities.
“We call for the arrest and prosecution of those, including Peter Obi, an Igbo politician who is shamelessly seeking the votes of Nigerians to become president and yet in the forefront of the calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“This is a troubling development, as Kanu has been responsible for inciting violence and unrest in Nigeria with the blood of innocent Nigerians, particularly from the Northern region where hundreds of lives have been lost as a result of his actions.
“We call on all Northern voters to be wary of politicians like Peter Obi who are willing to sacrifice the safety and security of other constituents in order to further their own political ambitions.
“We reiterate our calls for a referendum or any other process that would allow for the self determination of any federating unit that feels it wants to go. We have already filed a suit seeking this order at a Federal High Court in Abuja.
“We regret ever being political allies with the South East, as it is clear that their leaders are willing to put their own interests above the safety and security of the country as a whole. It is time for us to come together as a nation and reject divisive and irresponsible leaders who are more concerned with their own power and influence than with the well-being of the people they are supposed to serve.”
The CNG reiterated its stance that if the South East desires secession, the process must be peaceful and well-organized to avoid further bloodshed.
The CNG also linked IPOB’s activities to the 2020 EndSARS protests, alleging that Kanu took advantage of the movement to incite violence against government institutions and northern communities.
According to the group, “IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have carried out numerous violent attacks, including: The killing of over 500 northerners residing in the South East.
“The murder of 175 security personnel, including 128 police officers and 37 military personnel. Destruction of public and private properties, including police stations, correctional centers, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, and traditional institutions.
“The attack on the Owerri Correctional Facility, which led to the escape of 1,841 inmates. The burning of 164 police stations and the theft of 396 firearms and over 17,000 rounds of ammunition.”
It recalled its Kaduna Declaration, which called for a structured approach to allow pro-Biafra agitators to pursue their aspirations without endangering national security.
The coalition has also petitioned the Nigerian government, United Nations, and foreign diplomatic missions, urging international intervention to prevent further violence.
News
ACOMIN Conducts Monthly Stakeholders’ Advocacy Aim to strengthen supply chain to Combat Malaria in Taraba State.
By Nahum Sule, Jalingo
The Association of Civil Society Organizations in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) conducted its monthly Stakeholders’ Advocacy Visit in Taraba State on Monday, March 17, 2025.
The visit, an activity under the Community-Led Monitoring Project for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (CLM-ATM), the community component of the Global Fund GC7 Grant was conducted by ACOMIN’S State Advocacy Team (SAT).
The project aims to empower communities to identify and address issues related to the quality of ATM services, community accountability, commodity utilization, and community engagement.
The team conducted four advocacy meetings with the: Logistics Management and Coordinating Unit (LMCU), State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), Society for Family Health (SFH) and Management Sciences for Health (MSH).
The advocacy team led by ACOMIN’s State Chair for Taraba State, Alhaji Muhammad T. Danburam, accompanied by the State Program Officer, representatives from two Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), and a Media Correspondent advocated for: the restocking of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in two health facilities in Kurmi and Donga LGAs, where shortages have been reported, ensure broader coverage of the upcoming Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) mass distribution campaign, particularly for underserved communities in Bali and Takum LGAs.
The team highlighted gaps in the malaria supply chain, emphasizing that these shortages have increased the financial burden on patients, many of whom are already economically disadvantaged.
In their response, the stakeholders appreciated ACOMIN’s continuous efforts in sharing community findings and encouraged the organization to sustain its engagement.
Regarding the stockouts of ACTs and RDTs, as well as the lack of ITN coverage in some communities, the stakeholders committed to addressing these issues in the next distribution cycle.
Operatives of the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested popular TikTok influencer, Murja Ibrahim Kunya, for allegedly abusing and mutilating the Naira.
Specifically, Kunya was arrested for allegedly spraying Naira notes for fun during her stay in a hotel room at Tahir Guest Palace in Kano. The arrest followed her diligent pursuit by EFCC operatives after she jumped an administrative bail granted her by the Commission over one month ago.
She was initially arrested in January 2025 for violating the Central Bank of Nigeria CBN, Act which prohibits the abuse and mutilation of the Naira. She was granted an administrative bail by the Commission pending her arraignment before the Federal High Court in Kano. However, when it was time for her court appearance, Kunya absconded, evading the legal processes
However, after weeks of intensive investigation and surveillance, EFCC operatives successfully re-arrested the TikTok Influencer on Sunday March 16, 2025. She was subsequently conveyed to the Kano Zonal Directorate of the Commission, where she is currently in custody awaiting her arraignment.
The EFCC reiterates its commitment to enforcing laws protecting the integrity of the Nigerian currency and warned against acts of abuse including spraying, stamping, or mutilating the currency during social events.
Nigeria is set to host the 7th African Spelling Bee (ASB) from April 9 to 13, marking the first time the prestigious competition will be held in a West African nation.
National Coordinator of the Nigeria Spelling Bee, Mr Abdulsalam Ibrahim, announced this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
Established in 2016, the ASB has previously been hosted by South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, and Malawi.
The Nigeria Spelling Bee, operating under the Bee Spelling Competition Initiative, serves as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for this year’s event.
Endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Education, the organisation conducts spelling competitions across all Nigerian states and represents the country in international contests, including the ASB.
According to Ibrahim, the African Spelling Bee was founded with the vision of celebrating the African child, inspiring literacy, and creating a platform for connection and confidence-building among young learners.
He stated that the competition aims to enhance literacy and academic excellence while cultivating a strong reading culture.
The national coordinator noted that the competition also seeks to develop self-esteem and interpersonal skills while building human capital through capacity development.
He said it also aims to promote community-based partnerships and celebrate the cultural diversity and unity of African children.
He noted that this year’s event will bring together the top National Spelling Bee Champions from over 20 African countries.
They include; Benin, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
“The ASB embodies the spirit of Pan-Africanism by uniting young people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate linguistic prowess and cultural heritage.
“Through spelling competitions, African general knowledge quizzes, and cultural exchanges, the event fosters unity and mutual respect among participants, nurturing a generation poised to lead and transform the continent”.
Ibrahim highlighted Nigeria’s strong track record in the ASB, having secured multiple championship titles in previous editions.
He also noted that Nigerian spellers are preparing to defend the Senior Championship title won by Praises Minabowa in the last African Spelling Bee, reflecting the nation’s commitment to educational excellence and youth development.
“The upcoming event in Abuja is expected to be the largest yet, with more than 20 African countries anticipated to participate, each presenting their top six champions vying for the coveted title of African Spelling Bee Champion in both the senior and junior categories.
“Beyond being a competition, the event will be a celebration of Africa’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage, reflecting the continent’s dedication to fostering education, unity, and excellence among its youth,” Ibrahim said. (NAN)