News
Biafra: Sentence Ekpa, release Nnamdi Kanu – Southeast stakeholders
The recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, has sparked mixed reactions, particularly among Southeast indigenes, many of whom are calling for his prosecution and sentencing in Finland.
Ekpa was arrested last Thursday by Finnish authorities alongside four others. They were subsequently detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court for allegedly “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.” The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) disclosed that Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, faces charges of inciting public offenses with terrorist intent and financing terrorism.
Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, accused Ekpa of using social media to incite violence against civilians and public authorities in Southeastern Nigeria. “From Finland, the suspect has orchestrated efforts resulting in violence and crimes in Southeast Nigeria,” Hiltunen stated.
Ekpa’s arrest coincides with escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s Southeast, where armed groups have been enforcing violent sit-at-home orders, initially introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to demand the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Despite IPOB suspending the sit-at-home directive, Ekpa and his supporters have continued to propagate violence, a stance IPOB has consistently disavowed.
Voices from the Southeast
Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, suggested that releasing Nnamdi Kanu would better address insecurity in the region than Ekpa’s arrest. He argued that Kanu’s release would differentiate genuine agitators from criminals exploiting the situation. “You cannot achieve Biafra by killing fellow Biafrans or creating chaos,” Abaribe remarked. “When Kanu is released, we can identify the true agitators from those using his incarceration as an excuse for violence.”
A retired U.S. Army Captain and strategist, Bishop Johnson, stressed that the Finnish government’s handling of Ekpa’s case would determine its impact on the Southeast. He noted that holding Ekpa accountable in Finland could disrupt his influence and stop his sponsors. However, he cautioned that extraditing Ekpa to Nigeria could escalate violence, especially if due process is not followed.
Call for Accountability
Osita Okechukwu, former Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON) and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), lauded Ekpa’s arrest, calling it overdue. He criticized Ekpa’s violent methods, saying, “He has caused untold harm to Ndigbo, grounding the Southeast economy and leading to countless deaths. His strategy is criminal and unjustifiable.” Okechukwu urged for Ekpa’s sentencing, either in Finland or Nigeria, emphasizing that justice must be served for his actions.
A Path to Peace
Experts and stakeholders have argued that a combination of Ekpa’s prosecution and Kanu’s release would help restore peace in the Southeast. Johnson observed, “Releasing Kanu would remove the pretext used by criminals masquerading as agitators, while prosecuting Ekpa would curtail external incitement.”
As investigations and legal proceedings continue, the Southeast looks to these developments as potential turning points in resolving the region’s prolonged insecurity and violence.
News
Kogi closes schools following hints of bandits attack
He commended the security agencies for providing timely intelligence and assured residents that authorities are working around the clock to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.
The Kogi State Government on Tuesday ordered the temporary closure of all schools across the state until February 16, saying a stitch in time, saves students, teachers, and school facilities.
The State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, told journalists in Lokoja that the move was based on credible intelligence and was taken as a precautionary measure rather than out of fear.
” The government chose to act proactively to prevent potential threats and ensure the safety of everyone within the education system,” said Kingsley Femi Fanwo.
“Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed all relevant agencies to immediately put in place the necessary measures to guarantee that schools resume as soon as it is safe, without disrupting the academic calendar,” Fanwo said.
He commended the security agencies for providing timely intelligence and assured residents that authorities are working around the clock to identify and dismantle criminal hideouts across the state.
News
Again, bandit kills more than 20 people in Katsina community
Faskari Local Government Area is one of the frontline communities that had earlier entered into a communal peace agreement with armed bandits, raising fresh concerns over the sustainability of the peace process in the area.
A fresh bandit attack today on Doma, a community in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State’s Southern Senatorial District has left more than 20 people dead.
The Chairman of Faskari Local Government Council, Bala Ado, who confirmed the incident via telephone confirmed that several others sustained varying degrees of injuries, while more than one hundred residents have been displaced
The attack lasted for nearly three hours, from about noon to 3 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
He added that burial arrangements for the victims are expected to take place on Wednesday.
Faskari Local Government Area is one of the frontline communities that had earlier entered into a communal peace agreement with armed bandits, raising fresh concerns over the sustainability of the peace process in the area.
…..Renames Printing Corporation After Dan Agbese, Grants Clemency to 14 Inmates.
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has announced measures to honour the state’s founding figures and notable contributors as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of Benue State’s creation.In a statewide live broadcast delivered from Government House, Makurdi, on Tuesday, the governor declared plans to immortalise late General Murtala Muhammed, the military Head of State who created Benue State on February 3, 1976, alongside six other states.
Governor Alia emphasised the importance of recognising past heroes whose actions laid the foundation for future generations, stating that Gen. Murtala Muhammed deserved permanent commemoration for birthing the state during his brief but impactful leadership.
In a related gesture, the governor announced the renaming of the Benue Printing and Publishing Corporation to Dan Agbese Printing and Publishing Corporation, in honour of the late veteran journalist and media icon, Chief Dan Agbese.
He further indicated that several other distinguished indigenes—both living and deceased—would have legacy institutions named after them, including the late Wanteregh Paul Unongo, Elder Isaac Shaahu, Senator Suemo Chia, Gen. Atom Kpera, late Tashaku Oradi, and numerous others who have made significant contributions to the state’s development.
As part of the jubilee celebrations, Governor Alia exercised his prerogative of mercy by granting full clemency and release to 14 inmates serving various prison terms. Additionally, one inmate, Terhumba Aondona, had his sentence commuted from 10 years to 4 years.
The beneficiaries of the clemency include Akaajime Imoter, Kongusu Terzugwe, Terngu Orshi, Ornaa Achagh, Zwa Achir, Terkimbi Amadu, Iorpenda Christian, Aondowaae Terlumun, Oriba John, Sughnen Terfa James, Akaahar Isaac, Ordam Thankgod, Gwayem Agba James, and Iorfa Terkimbi.
The announcements were contained in a statement signed by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State.
Benue State’s Golden Jubilee commemorates 50 years since its creation from parts of the former Benue-Plateau State, highlighting ongoing efforts to celebrate its history while addressing contemporary issues of justice and recognition.
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