The Coalition of Northern Group (CNG) has sought an audience with President Muhammadu Buhari to present a case for northerners violated and killed in a series of attacks allegedly incited and coordinated by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra’s (IPOB) leadership.
Dr Nastura Ashir Shariff who issued a statement on behalf of northerners displaced by the attacks since 2017 said the group took a cue from the visit of Igbo leaders to the president.
A delegation of Igbo leaders had visited President Muhammadu Buhari demanding an unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu who is facing trials on treason charges.
In his response, President Buhari said the delegation made an extremely difficult demand considering the principle of separation of power but added that he would consider it.
Dr Nastura Ashir Shariff in the statement said the CNG resolved to seek a similar opportunity to meet with Buhari “to equally present the case for the North and table the plight of the bereaved and displaced families and relations who have inadvertently suffered serious personal and material violations as a result of Nnamdi Kanu’s incitement and hateful campaigns.”
“While we do not doubt the right of the Igbo leaders or any other civil group for that matter, to seek audience with, and make requests from the President of our dear nation, we are pleased to inform Your Excellency that at almost the same time, the leadership of the CNG was concluding a meeting in Kano with representatives of the estranged northern families adversely affected by the activities of IPOB under Nnamdi Kanu, across several South Eastern Nigerian cities.
“We are therefore craving Your Excellency’s indulgence to admit in audience, a joint delegation of the CNG and representatives of the victims in your office, at your convenience.”