The Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) — an alliance of civil society organizations, self-determination advocates, and public interest groups — has strongly condemned what it described as desperate and subversive attempts by certain failed politicians and anti-democratic actors to politicize the ongoing trial of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement signed by its leaders, the coalition called the campaign to politicize the judicial process “irresponsible, inciting, and utterly condemnable,” describing it as “inhuman and satanic.”
The CGG warned Nigerians to be wary of disgruntled politicians and elements rejected at the polls, who, having failed to gain legitimacy through democratic means, now “masquerade as freedom fighters” while seeking to undermine national stability, civility, and the rule of law.
“It is an indisputable fact that Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed IPOB terrorist organization, is facing trial on terrorism charges. The court, in the interest of justice and fair hearing, has ordered him to open his defence after the prosecution closed its case,” the coalition said.
“If these self-styled activists were not agents of destabilization, the proper course would be to submit to the rule of law rather than attempting to incite Nigerians and provoke a breakdown of law and order — an act that citizens will lawfully resist.”
The coalition reminded Nigerians that despite the widespread violence and destruction attributed to IPOB and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) — including attacks on public and private property and the killing of civilians and security personnel — the Nigerian government has continued to adhere to due process by ensuring Kanu’s trial proceeds within the ambit of the law.
The CGG commended the Federal Government for maintaining civility and the rule of law in handling the case, describing it as consistent with global democratic standards. It also urged the government not to yield to “blackmail or campaigns of calumny” aimed at halting the trial, warning that such an act would be a grave injustice to victims of IPOB’s violence — both civilians and security operatives who lost their lives in the line of duty.
The coalition further cautioned Nigerians against participating in any protest or rally organized under the guise of supporting Kanu, describing such gatherings as “mischievous and fraudulent attempts to mislead the public.”
“While we fully respect the constitutional right of Nigerians to peaceful protest,” the statement read, “we will not stand by and allow citizens to be deceived by agents of destabilization whose only interest is to endanger national security and public order.”
The CGG urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and committed to democracy, resisting efforts by “failed politicians and anti-democratic forces” to exploit sensitive national issues for selfish political gain.
“We must not allow ourselves to become pawns in the political chess game of those who seek to profit from chaos. Nigeria’s democracy and collective peace are far more important than their ambitions,” the group concluded.
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