A coalition of civil society organizations, self-determination advocates, and public interest groups under the banner Coalition for Good Governance (CGG) has strongly condemned recent attempts by frustrated politicians and subversive actors to politicize the ongoing judicial trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed terrorist group IPOB.
In a press statement issued by CGG convener Nelson Ekujumi alongside co-conveners Razaq Olokoba, Razaq Oladosu, Ajayi Popoola, Uche Nnadozie, and Shola Justice Omolola, the group called on Nigerians to remain vigilant against manipulation by “desperate and disgruntled politicians” who, having been rejected at the polls repeatedly, now pose as “freedom fighters” but undermine decency, civility, and the rule of law.
The group emphasized that Nnamdi Kanu stands accused of terrorism and is currently undergoing a lawful judicial process. “The court has ordered Mr. Kanu to open his defence following the prosecution’s case closure, in adherence to the principles of fair hearing and justice,” the statement said.
CGG warned that those attempting to incite unrest and disrupt law and order are acting as agents of destabilization, and called on Nigerians to uphold the rule of law rather than succumb to provocations aimed at causing chaos.
The coalition also reminded the public of the violence and destruction perpetrated by IPOB under Kanu’s leadership across the South East and other regions, which have led to the loss of innocent lives, including security personnel. Despite this, the Nigerian government has ensured that Kanu is treated according to legal standards and afforded the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Praising the government’s commitment to justice and global best practices, CGG urged authorities not to bow to blackmail or calls to halt the trial, stressing that doing so would dishonor the memories of victims who have suffered due to IPOB/ESN violence.
The coalition further discouraged Nigerians from participating in protests or rallies linked to the campaign defending Kanu, cautioning that such events are driven by those seeking to undermine national security and public order.
“While we support Nigerians’ constitutional right to protest, we will not stand by as citizens are misled by destabilizing forces whose agenda threatens democracy and security,” the statement declared.
In closing, CGG called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in supporting democracy and the rule of law and to avoid becoming pawns in the hands of failed politicians who exploit every opportunity to advance personal and political interests at the expense of national unity.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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