As violent operations occasioned by unknown gunmen returned to the south east, accusing fingers have been pointed at a disciple of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, a relatively unknown Simon Ekpa who posts issues of Biafra and signs off as: “Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu’s Disciple on Biafra Restoration”.

Indeed, he seems cast in the mold of the detained leader of IPOB but the group came out recently and disowned him. Simon Ekpa, a self-styled disciple of detained Nnamdi Kanu came into reckoning middle last year after the rendition of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

At Kanu’s incarceration Simon Ekpa, was announced as the lead broadcaster of Radio Biafra, appointed to replace Nnamdi Kanu in Radio Biafra.

But shortly after, IPOB announced Ekpa’s disengagement, citing his refusal to sign the rules of engagement of Radio Biafra. IPOB’s Spokesperson, Emma Powerful in a statement announced that: “The global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has observed with regrets that Mazi Simon Ekpa whom our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu gave an appointment and duty to start broadcasting on Radio Biafra doesn’t want to follow the laid down rules of operation in Radio Biafra.

“Mazi Simon Ekpa has refused to sign the rules of engagement and code of conduct guiding those broadcasting on Radio Biafra. We don’t understand why Mazi Ekpa would not like to follow the steps of other broadcasters on the platform that have since done the needful.

“IPOB is a big movement, and cannot just change the rules because of one individual as this may set a bad precedence. Mazi Simon Ekpa is hardworking Biafran whose immense contributions towards the restoration of Biafra are highly appreciated, but for not signing the code of conduct as a broadcaster on Radio Biafra, he may not continue to have the opportunity of broadcasting via the platform…”

Despite the announcement of his disengagement, Ekpa wouldn’t back down and ever since has been at loggerheads with some leaders of IPOB and keeps magnifying the activities of the secessionist group through his social media platforms.

Recently, after the inauguration of Prof Charles Soludo as Anambra governor, IPOB was to blame him for escalating violence in the southeast and enforcing the Monday sit-at-home which it claimed has been suspended.

IPOB in a statement blamed Simon Ekpa of being responsible for criminal activities in the Southeast.

According to the group, Ekpa and his gang known as “Autopilot” are responsible for the criminal activities in the region.

IPOB informed the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo that the group was not responsible for the unrest in the region, stating that Ekpa and his gang are threatening residents of the region over their non-compliance with the Monday sit-at-home order.

IPOB said: “We the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, wish to tell Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State that IPOB is not responsible for the criminality in Southeast, including Anambra State. The Governor should know that our enemies are committing atrocities using our name in their desperation to blackmail IPOB.

Chioma Gabriel