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Biafra: Sentence Ekpa, release Nnamdi Kanu – Southeast stakeholders

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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.

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JUST IN: President Tinubu Extends Customs Boss Adeniyi’s Tenure by One Year

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President Bola Tinubu has approved a one-year extension for the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. Originally set to end in August 2025, his tenure will now continue until August 2026.

According to a statement signed by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, the extension aims to give Mr. Adeniyi the opportunity to consolidate key reforms and oversee the completion of major initiatives, including the modernisation of Customs operations, the National Single Window Project, and Nigeria’s obligations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

President Tinubu commended Adeniyi’s leadership and expressed confidence that the extension would bolster trade facilitation, boost revenue generation, and enhance border security.

Appointed Comptroller-General in October 2023, Adeniyi recently achieved international recognition when he was elected Chairperson of the Council of the World Customs Organization, the highest decision-making body in global customs affairs.

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Kogi Governor Commends President Tinubu over Abuja-Lokoja Road Reconstruction

The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.

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The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alh. Ahmed Usman Ododo has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing unparalleled commitment towards the completion of the Abuja-Lokoja road Reconstruction, saying his action has demonstrated his unwavering determination to fix the nation’s infrastructure deficit.

The Governor while inspecting a section of the road at Kotonkarfe in Kogi State said the President represents a “coalition of excellence”.

“This is our own coalition. This is what our President is doing and we are grateful to him. This is development”, he said.

The Governor also commended the Works Minister, Engr Dave Imahi for the quality of job on the road.

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JUST IN: Oluremi Tinubu Donates 1 Billion naira to victims of Yelwata attack

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The Wife of the President Oluremi Remi Tinubu has donated the sum of one billion naira to victims of the horrific Yelwata attack in Benue State.

Oluremi Tinubu who announced the donation during her condolence visit to the state, described the killings as very unnecessary.

About 6 weeks after the heart wretching attack on Yelwata community of Guma local council of Benue State State Wife of the President Oluremi Tinubu visits to pay her condolence.

She proceeds to the new banquet hall of the Government house Makurdi where she meets with relevant stakeholders and makes a significant donation on behalf of council of the renewed hope agenda initiative.

Earlier State Governor Hyacinth Alia while appreciating the show of sympathy by the first family renewed his call for the establishment of State police.

Chairman State Council Of Chiefs the Tor Tiv Orchivirigh James Ayatse wants the killer terrorists flushed out of the State and neighbouring Nassarawa State.

He equally called for compensation for victims to rebuild their lives and return back to their ancestral homes.

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