The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has once again urged the Federal Government to ignore any demands from Igbo elites for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The CNG expressed concern that IPOB has garnered support from several Igbo leaders, whose actions they described as “diabolical” and detrimental to Nigeria’s stability. Mr. Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the spokesperson for the CNG, stated that the renewed pressure from Igbo leaders for Kanu’s unconditional release is unreasonable and could lead to further conflict.
Suleiman’s remarks came in response to a recent statement by Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, who called for Kanu’s unconditional release and offered to act as surety to facilitate it. Additionally, IPOB’s counsel, Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, indicated in an interview that Kanu should have been released on October 13, 2022, following an Appeal Court ruling that dismissed the charges against him. Recently, the Council of Elders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide convened a peace summit to address insecurity in the country and the South-East, during which they also advocated for Kanu’s unconditional release—a request Suleiman urged the Federal Government to disregard.
In a communiqué signed by its Chairman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the council emphasized the importance of including Kanu in dialogues aimed at achieving lasting peace in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East. The communiqué stated, “We want to dialogue with his participation in order to have an enduring peace in Nigeria, particularly in the South-East. The council, therefore, calls on the Federal Government and all persons concerned to release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally. He cannot be in prison while such a crucial summit is being held.”
In response, Suleiman, speaking in a telephone interview, warned that such calls could set a dangerous precedent in the country. He criticized the leaders who support IPOB and other groups advocating for violence and separatism, suggesting that they are perpetuating a historical agenda aimed at achieving a separate State of Biafra through force and terrorism. Suleiman remarked that the actions and demands of IPOB, supported by a significant portion of the Igbo elite—including politicians, traditional rulers, and business leaders—have pushed Nigeria to the brink. He noted that the CNG has observed these developments with restraint and maturity, even as they have tolerated numerous unreasonable actions against Nigerians, particularly northerners.
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