The group insisted on its stance after a media briefing at the headquarters of Arewa Consultative Forum, a political and cultural association of Northern Nigeria leaders.
The group had on Tuesday issued a three months ultimatum to Igbo in the North to return to East.
The move faced widespread condemnation, including Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, who called for their arrest.
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Abdulaziz Suleiman, National Coordinator of Northern Emancipation Network, NEN, said Mr. El-Rufai’s move to block his group from forcing a mass exodus of Igbo from northern states was “disappointing.”
“Our declaration did not mention violence at all. The Igbo have consistently insisted that they don’t want to be in Nigeria, let them therefore, go back to their places
“They don’t believe in Nigeria, so, we also don’t believe in them,” he said.
Mr. Suleiman also accused Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State of playing politics over the matter.
“Where was El Rufai when the Igbos gave the Fulani ultimatum to leave their areas?
“Where was he when over 500 northerners were killed in Ile Ife? These people just politicise everything.
“Because he wants to run for President, he chose to ignore his people and appease the Igbo? Goodluck to him,” he said.