Use Judicial process on IPOB Leader – Northern Groups

The Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to use Judicial process rather than executive fiat in the prosecution of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu

Spokesperson of the CNG, Abdulazeez Suleiman made the statement in a media briefing held at the Kano Correspondents’ Chapel Office, NUJ Secretariat in Kano state.

The statement comes against the backdrop of a visit by Igbo leaders to President Buhari demanding the release of the IPOB Leader, where the President responded that the demand was a tough one but would be considered.

Suleiman said the group has been watching with keen interest on the desire and attempts by some certain interest groups in the South East, for the IPOB Leader who has engaged in violence and separatism through the use of arms to be unconditionally released since his repatriation to the country by Interpol.

“We specifically note, with a deep sense of concern, the unrelenting desperation by certain interest groups in the South-East, to subvert the due process of justice and tamper with the judicial process since Kanu’s arraignment.”

 “Of particular concern is the President’s… response in which he tended to make a specific promise to consider the…demand,” said Suleiman.

He said that any attempt by the President to accede to the demand to release, without prosecuting and punishing Kanu will advertently reduce Nigeria to a completely lawless state.

“Where criminals of all shades will commit crimes against the country, and then ask their traditional rulers and other regional or tribal leaders to press for their release,” he said.

He said there was the need for the prosecution of the IPOB Leader because from 2017 to 2020, Kanu has instigated propaganda, hate and dangerous campaigns resulting in the killing of people, security personnel and evolvement of the Eastern Security Network, an insurgency arm of the IPOB.

“He instigated attacks resulting in killings of 1,230 northerners and destruction of several millions worth businesses, properties and valuable assets belonging to northerners and citizens of other regions.

“Destruction of national security assets, democratic symbols, and killing of about 400 security personnel and orphaned their families,” said Suleiman.

PIAK