Inciting Audio Messages: Count Us Out – Coalition Of Northern Groups

BY AMOS TAUNA, KADUNA – The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) on Wednesday disowned an audio recording in circulation that carries and promotes incitement and violence against some groups.

The CNG therefore restated its commitment to peace, unity and obedience to the Nigerian state and its institutions.

It appealed to members of the public to disregard any pronouncement purportedly made in its name unless it emanates from its spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman or Ambassador Yerima Shettima or N. A. Sheriff.

A statement issued by the spokesman of CNG Abdul-Azeez Suleiman said the audio message purportedly made by one Ibrahim Mohammed Jajere should not in any manner whatsoever be ascribed to the Coalition of Northern Groups.

Suleiman further said; “We emphatically wish to distance ourselves from such pronouncement and its maker and restate that we have never called anybody to violence.

“We find the audio quite unfortunate and an attempt to divert attention from the current commendable efforts made by the Acting President and other well-meaning regional leaders.

“It is unfortunate that such pronouncements are coming at a time when meaningful strides are being made towards dousing ethnic tension in the country.

“Just last week, a leader of our Coalition Ambassador Yerima Shettima told the world that we would review the earlier position of the Coalition in appreciation of the recent position of the South-west governors that denounced Biafra.

“That of course, is the main borne of contention as we found it ridiculous for a people to be in one country and claim another independent nation at the same time without recourse to due process that regulate the right to self-determination.”

The CNG extended its hands of friendship to all ethnic nationalities in Nigeria and assured that it would to make a positive pronouncement soon.

Suleiman further said; “We once again commend the effort of the Federal Government, regional leaders, other youth organizations across the country and the understanding of the public.”

The CNG said it is in the process of making a positive pronouncement when the death of its respected father and northern elder, Late Alhaji Mataima Sule occurred.