Coalition of CSOs warns against politicising Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
A coalition of civil society organisations and public interest groups under the banner of the Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has condemned what it described as desperate attempts by some politicians and subversive elements to politicise the ongoing trial of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the group’s convener, Nelson Ekujumi, along with co-conveners Razaq Olokoba, Razaq Oladosu, Ajayi Popoola, Uche Nnadozie, and Shola Justice Omolola, the coalition described such actions as “irresponsible, inciting, and condemnable.”
The CGG cautioned Nigerians to be wary of “disgruntled politicians” who, according to the group, have been rejected at the polls and are now posing as “freedom fighters” to mislead the public and undermine national stability.
“It’s an indisputable fact that Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the terrorist group IPOB, is in court facing charges of terrorism,” the statement read. “After the prosecution closed its case, the court ordered him to open his defence in the interest of justice. Any attempt to incite the public against this process is an act of sabotage and will be resisted within the ambit of the law.”
The coalition noted that despite the violence allegedly perpetrated by IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which has led to the destruction of lives and property in parts of the country, the Nigerian government has continued to subject Kanu to due process and the rule of law.
While commending the federal government for upholding legal and democratic standards in handling the case, the CGG urged it not to bow to what it called “blackmail and propaganda” aimed at discontinuing the trial. Doing so, the group said, would amount to an injustice to the memory of innocent civilians and security operatives who lost their lives to IPOB’s violent activities.
The coalition further advised Nigerians to shun any protests or rallies organised to disrupt public peace, warning that such gatherings are being promoted by “agents of destabilisation” whose real agenda is to endanger national security.
The statement concluded with a call for vigilance, urging citizens to remain steadfast in defending democracy and the rule of law while resisting attempts by failed politicians to exploit sensitive issues for political gain.
