NN News Media publisher Nkiruka Nistoran has issued a stern warning to Michael Rubin, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) and Director of Policy Analysis at the Middle East Forum (MEF), via her X account.
Nistoran stated, “I am writing to warn you to stay clear of this. This is my region, not yours. Do you know how many people Ekpa’s armed men have killed in my region? If you were in my position, would you allow an American to kill fellow Americans from Finland & expect the Finnish government to keep quiet?”
This warning comes in response to Rubin’s opinion piece, which criticized the Finnish government’s arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).
Rubin’s part of article highlighted that Ekpa, a prominent human rights activist, had organized a referendum for Biafra’s independence, claiming that tens of millions of Biafrans voted overwhelmingly in favor of secession. Ekpa is set to hold a convention soon for the Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of Biafra.
Meanwhile, prominent Igbo leaders and groups have welcomed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, urging the Finnish government to maintain his detention and expedite his extradition to Nigeria for prosecution. They suggested that he should be paraded through major towns in the South-East before being prosecuted. Businessmen expressed relief at Ekpa’s arrest, citing his role in exacerbating insecurity in the region through provocative rhetoric and actions.
Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure in the Biafra independence movement, has been arrested in Finland on charges related to terrorism and incitement of violence. His actions have been linked to significant unrest and insecurity in Nigeria’s southeastern region, where he has been accused of promoting violent separatist propaganda through social media.
Background on Simon Ekpa
Ekpa, who claims to lead a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been a polarizing figure since rising to prominence after the arrest of IPOB’s founder, Nnamdi Kanu, in 2021. He has used his platform to advocate for a sit-at-home order in southeastern Nigeria, which has reportedly resulted in numerous civilian casualties and heightened tensions in the area. His leadership style has drawn criticism from various quarters, including from IPOB itself, which has distanced itself from him, asserting that he is not a registered member and does not represent their peaceful agenda for Biafran independence.
Arrest and Implications
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation arrested Ekpa and four others for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda and inciting violence. This arrest comes amid ongoing concerns about the impact of his rhetoric on security in southeastern Nigeria, where his calls for civil disobedience have disrupted daily life and contributed to a climate of fear. Following his arrest, some local leaders expressed hope that this might lead to improved security conditions in the region.
Response from Nigerian Authorities
Nigerian officials have expressed interest in extraditing Ekpa to face charges related to his activities that have allegedly incited violence against civilians and authorities. This follows previous unsuccessful attempts to prosecute him due to concerns about his rights as a Finnish citizen. The Nigerian military has welcomed his arrest as a significant victory in combating terrorism.
Conclusion
Ekpa’s arrest marks a critical juncture for the Biafra independence movement and raises questions about the future of separatist agitation in southeastern Nigeria. While some believe it could diminish support for violent actions associated with his leadership, others fear that if another leader emerges with similar tactics, the cycle of violence may continue. The situation remains dynamic as both local and international stakeholders navigate the implications of his detention.
