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.
