Prominent Igbo leaders and groups have welcomed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile, urging the Finnish government to maintain his detention and expedite his extradition to Nigeria for prosecution.
Call for Justice and Accountability
Several leaders advocated for Ekpa’s return to Nigeria to face justice. They suggested that he should be paraded through major towns in the South-East before being prosecuted. Businessman Kingsley Okanume expressed relief at Ekpa’s arrest, citing his role in exacerbating insecurity in the region through provocative rhetoric and actions.
Rt. Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, condemned Ekpa’s actions during a burial ceremony in Nnewi. Describing him as a “rascal,” the bishop criticized Ekpa for enforcing sit-at-home orders across Igbo land while exempting his own village in Ebonyi State. He appealed to Nigerian senators and the federal government to sustain pressure on Finland to ensure Ekpa’s detention.
“These agitators claim to fight for Biafra but engage in activities that harm their brothers and sisters, destroying the economy of Igboland. We urge the government to maintain efforts to address this menace,” the bishop said.
Mixed Reactions from Traditional Leaders
HRM Eze Philip Ajomiwe, a former Chairman of the Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council, argued that while Ekpa’s arrest is significant, it might escalate tensions stemming from the continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. He emphasized the need for Kanu’s immediate and unconditional release to mitigate insecurity in the region.
Advocacy for a Holistic Approach
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, stressed the importance of addressing the root causes of insecurity in the South-East. He called for targeted socio-economic initiatives, including tackling poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, to promote sustainable peace.
“Arrests alone cannot resolve the underlying issues. A comprehensive approach addressing marginalization and other grievances is essential to breaking the cycle of violence and separatist movements,” Nwanguma said.
Federal Government’s Assurance
Meanwhile, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ending insecurity in the South-East. Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, during an operational tour in Enugu State, assured military officers of renewed efforts to combat all forms of insecurity. He highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s determination to restore peace, not just in the South-East but across Nigeria.
During his visit to Imo State, Badaru commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for supporting military operations aimed at restoring stability.
Conclusion
The arrest of Simon Ekpa has sparked widespread discussion on the security challenges in the South-East. While many leaders view it as a step in the right direction, they emphasize that addressing deeper socio-political issues is critical to achieving lasting peace in the region.
