A coalition of civil society organizations, self-determination movements, and public interest groups under the banner of the Coalition for Good Governance has appealed for calm amid the ongoing demonstrations calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra .
The group strongly condemned what it described as “irresponsible, inciting, and condemnable attempts by desperate and failed politicians and subversive elements” to politicize Kanu’s judicial proceedings, branding such actions as “inhuman and satanic.”
The protest, tagged #FreeNnamdiKanuProtest, was led by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore and was dispersed by security operatives on Monday in Abuja.
The Nigeria Police Force, which had earlier issued a warning against demonstrations near the Presidential Villa, intervened as protesters attempted to march to Aso Rock to demand Kanu’s release.
Security agencies, including the police and military, were reportedly stationed at the protest venue as early as 7 a.m.
A viral video later captured scenes of chaos, showing Sowore and other protesters fleeing after police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
In a joint statement signed by Comrade Nelson Ekujumi and other leaders, the coalition cautioned citizens to remain vigilant against “desperate and disgruntled politicians and subversive elements who, after being rejected at the polls, now parade themselves as freedom fighters against decency, civility, and the rule of law.”
The statement further read, “It is an indisputable fact that Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the terrorist group IPOB, is in court on terrorism charges. The court has ordered him to open his defence in the interest of fair hearing and justice after the prosecution closed its case.”
According to the group, true patriots should uphold the law rather than incite unrest or undermine the country’s stability.
“If these anti-democratic elements are not agents of destabilization, the most appropriate thing is to allow the law to take its full course rather than attempting to cause a breakdown of law and order. Such acts will be resisted within the ambit of the law,” it stated.
The coalition further observed that despite the violence and loss of innocent lives attributed to IPOB’s activities in the South East, the Nigerian government has continued to handle Kanu’s case in accordance with the rule of law and international standards.
It commended the government for “upholding the principles of justice, civility, and the rule of law” in managing the case, urging authorities not to yield to “blackmail or campaigns of calumny aimed at discontinuing the trial.”
“Doing so would be a grave injustice and a disservice to the memories of innocent Nigerians, including civilians and security personnel, who have paid the supreme price in the hands of the IPOB/ESN terrorist organization,” the statement added.
The CGG also warned Nigerians to avoid what it called a “mischievous and fraudulent protest,” stressing that such gatherings could be hijacked by political opportunists seeking to destabilize the nation.
“While we respect the constitutional right to peaceful protest, we will not watch and allow agents of destabilization mislead the people. Nigerians must remain calm, alert, and committed to democracy and the rule of law, rather than becoming pawns in the game of failed politicians and anti-democratic forces,” the coalition concluded.
