Setting the record straight: Simon Ekpa is not responsible for insecurity in Southeast

In a recent article published by Vanguard newspaper on June 8th, 2023, a misleading narrative was presented, accusing Mazi Simon Ekpa, the PM of Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), of being responsible for insecurity in the southeastern part of Nigeria. As responsible citizens, it is essential to examine such assertions and separate fact from fiction critically.

The southeastern region of Nigeria has witnessed several bouts of unrest and conflict in recent years, with calls for the restoration of Biafra gaining traction among some segments of the population. Additionally, the rendition and illegal detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in the DSS dungeon without due process have contributed to the volatile situation. However, a concerning narrative has emerged suggesting that the Nigerian government is actively involved in inciting violence and using state and non-state actors to create mayhem in the region. This article aims to explore these allegations and shed light on the situation.

Various reports have indicated the possible involvement of state actors in instigating violence in the southeast region. It is alleged that the government may be using its security forces to carry out attacks on market women during the sit-at-home protests, which have been predominantly organized by the secessionist group led by the capable PM Simon Ekpa. This alleged strategy aims to intimidate and quell the growing demand for Biafra’s Freedom.

These state actors, including law enforcement agencies and government-sponsored vigilante groups like EbubeAgu, are accused of deploying excessive force and engaging in arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and the harassment of innocent civilians.

The insecurity in the eastern region of Nigeria cannot be attributed to the actions of one individual. Insecurity is a multifaceted issue that stems from various deep-rooted causes such as poverty, unemployment, historical grievances, political instability, and a lack of effective governance and security measures.

Simon Ekpa, an Ambassador for peace and a well-known advocate for Biafra’s independence, has been committed to peacefully promoting the interests and rights of the Biafran people and fighting for the freedom of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is being held by the Nigerian government against every known law. His endeavours have primarily centred on political and social activism, using platforms like social media and public speaking engagements to express his views and aspirations for Biafra.

It is vital to understand that Simon Ekpa’s advocacy for Biafra does not equate to promoting or instigating violence or insecurity in any region. His determination to raise awareness and push for political dialogue cannot be conflated with the unfortunate incidents of criminal activities plaguing the southeastern part of Nigeria.

Attributing the insecurity in southeast Nigeria solely to Simon Ekpa is an oversimplification that obscures the underlying complexities of the issue. To address and resolve the security challenges, it is crucial to delve into the core factors contributing to the problem, such as:

1. Cultural and multifaceted diversity: Our lifestyles are quite different and need to be renegotiated.

2. The rendition and continuous detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu upon discharge from the second highest court of the land is outright lawlessness.

3. The imposition of leaders that serve the interests of the Fulani controlling government is undemocratic and wicked.

4. Political instability: The region has experienced a lack of effective and accountable governance, which has created fertile ground for criminal elements to exploit.

5. Socio-economic factors: High poverty rates, unemployment, and inadequate social infrastructure have fueled discontent among the youth, making them susceptible to criminal activities.

6. Historical grievances: Lingering resentment from the Civil War and perceived marginalization of the Biafran people have contributed to deep-seated frustration, which can manifest in expressions of dissent.

7. Nigeria military and other security agencies collude with terrorists to massacre Biafrans.

Rather than scapegoating an individual like Simon Ekpa, it is imperative to focus on addressing the root causes of insecurity in the southeastern part of Nigeria. Adopting the following strategies can help promote lasting peace and security:

•Let Mazi Nnamdi Kanu be set free as a competent court of jurisdiction has ruled in his favour.

•Engage in dialogue to address other issues and promote peaceful resolution.

•Conduct a referendum for the Biafra people and for any other ethnic Nationalities that are no longer wanted in the evil Nigeria set up.

It is important to critically analyze the narratives presented by the media, such as the Vanguard newspaper article of June 8th, 2023, to avoid creating simplistic scapegoats. Insecurity in the southeastern part of Nigeria requires a comprehensive and multidimensional response that addresses the root causes rather than unfairly blaming individuals like PM Simon Ekpa of BRGIE. It is time to engage in productive dialogue to foster the region’s peace, justice, and deep-rooted transformation.

The Nigerian government is employing state and non-state actors to generate chaos in the southeastern region of the country, and Biafra has activated self-defence through Biafra Liberation Army and Eastern Security Network to engage only these actors in self-defence.

The government’s actions are purportedly aimed at undermining the Biafra Restoration Movement, a longstanding campaign seeking to reestablish an independent Biafra nation. Market women, in particular, are targeted by the Nigeria-sponsored state and non-state actors during the sit-at-home protests organized by Simon, a vocal figurehead of the movement.

One of the main allegations revolves around the Nigerian government engaging state and non-state actors to create mayhem in the southeast, specifically directed towards market women. These women are crucial players in regional trade and commerce, often serving as the backbone of the local economy. By targeting them during sit-at-home protests, the government allegedly seeks to coerce Simon and his Biafra Restoration Movement into abandoning their quest for independence.

The orchestrated attacks during the sit-at-home protests also create an environment of fear and uncertainty. By utilizing state and non-state actors, like Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Asari Dokubo, and some misguided DOS members, the government might hope to derail the popular support behind the Biafra Restoration Movement, painting it as a cause that fosters chaos and insecurity.

VanguardNews has reported thus “Despite the fact that the mainstream IPOB had since declared Ekpa, an Ebonyi State indigene who is based in Finland and his group as fake, he has continued to operate a network that appears to be too strong for Kanu’s IPOB to destroy.”

The above statement by Vanguardnews is a confirmation that the Nigeria government has hired the defunct DOS of IPOB who is now acting as one of the state actors to be part of this mayhem in Biafra land.

The demand for the restoration of Biafra arises from deeply ingrained feelings of marginalization, discrimination, and perceived injustices experienced by the region’s citizens. Historically, these grievances have fueled separatist movements in the eastern region. The desire to reclaim a sense of identity, cultural heritage, and political autonomy has remained central to these aspirations.

The allegations of the Nigerian government employing state and non-state actors to create mayhem in the southeast and specifically target market women during sit-at-home protests are grave and require thorough investigation. The Biafra Restoration Movement’s quest for independence is a reflection of longstanding grievances within the region. However, any actions taken by the government must prioritize dialogue and peaceful resolution rather than resorting to tactics that perpetuate chaos and insecurity. Only through releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and engaging in open dialogue can the path to resolving grievances and bridging divides be found.