Biafra: Criticism as Northern Lawmakers Support Demand for Nnamdi Kanu’s Release

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has criticized federal lawmakers, particularly those from the north, for supporting the release of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

According to NIGERIA NEWS 247, the call for Kanu’s release has gained momentum, with prominent Nigerians, including lawmakers, voicing their support. However, CNG labeled this support as treacherous and unpatriotic, particularly condemning northern lawmakers.

The Coalition stated that while it could somewhat understand the support from Southeast governors and lawmakers who have been Kanu’s supporters from the start, it could not fathom why a northern lawmaker would join this cause. They argued that the demand for Kanu’s release was an affront to those who died due to his secessionist activities and an insult to the Nigerian people.

On August 7, 2017, the Northern Coalition reported Nnamdi Kanu to the United Nations, accusing him of acts of terror against innocent Nigerians. CNG has also advocated for declaring IPOB a terrorist organization.

“We reject this legislative rascality,” the group stated in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi. “We are shocked that House of Representatives members, including those from Northern Nigeria, are supporting the release of a terrorist who is being held on charges before a court of competent jurisdiction. 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 followers were killing Northerners in the east? Where were they when the properties of Northerners were destroyed? Are they elected for personal benefits or for the interests of the citizens? It is shameful and disheartening to see a Northern lawmaker contributing to such an unjust matter. This will further demoralize the security operatives seeing the killer of their loved ones celebrated in the National Assembly instead of being apprehended.”

“We are not surprised by the position of the southeastern legislators, their governors, and religious and traditional leaders, as they have been accomplices and supporters of Nnamdi Kanu’s atrocities. However, we condemn in totality all Northern lawmakers who endorsed this treachery. We will not let the blood of our loved ones be in vain. We will not let terrorism prevail,” the statement concluded.