Adenike Dada
A coalition of civil society organizations, self-determination movements, and public interest groups under the banner of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has strongly condemned what it described as “irresponsible and inciting attempts” by certain political actors and subversive elements to politicize the ongoing trial of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement jointly signed by Nelson Ekujumi (Convener), Razaq Olokoba, Razaq Oladosu, Ajayi Popoola, Uche Nnadozie, and Shola Justice Omolola, the coalition said efforts to turn the judicial process into a political campaign were “inhuman, anti-democratic, and a direct assault on the rule of law.”
“It is an indisputable fact that Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed terrorist group IPOB, is in court facing charges of terrorism. The court has ordered him to open his defence after the prosecution closed its case. If these so-called activists are not agents of destabilization, they should allow the law to take its full course rather than inciting Nigerians,” the coalition said.
The group accused “desperate and failed politicians” of exploiting the situation for political relevance, describing them as “disgruntled elements rejected at the polls who now masquerade as freedom fighters.”
According to the statement, the coalition reminded Nigerians that despite the violent activities attributed to IPOB and its armed wing, ESN, particularly in the South-East, the Nigerian government has continued to uphold due process by allowing the courts to determine the case against Kanu.
“The Nigerian state has demonstrated civility and adherence to the rule of law by subjecting the IPOB leader to a fair trial. Any attempt to blackmail the judiciary or pressure the government into discontinuing the trial would amount to injustice to the victims who lost their lives to the group’s violent campaigns,” the group said.
The coalition commended the Federal Government for maintaining legal and constitutional procedures in the ongoing prosecution, while urging it “not to yield to blackmail or emotional manipulation” from those attempting to politicize the case.
It also cautioned Nigerians against participating in any planned protests or rallies designed to mislead the public under the guise of advocacy.
“While we recognize the constitutional right to peaceful protest, we will not watch as subversive elements attempt to incite citizens and endanger national security,” the statement added.
The coalition called on citizens to remain vigilant and uphold democratic values, warning against becoming pawns in the hands of “anti-democratic forces” bent on destabilizing the country.
“Nigerians must remain alert, keep faith with democracy, and resist attempts by failed politicians to manipulate public sentiment for selfish ends,” the coalition concluded.
