Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has expressed joy following the arrest of Simon Ekpa by Finnish police, saying it marks a significant milestone in the collective journey towards healing and reconciliation.
Ohanaeze disclosed this in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro on Thursday.
According to the statement, the arrest marks a significant milestone in the collective journey towards healing and reconciliation as they stand firm in their resolve to advocate for a peaceful, prosperous Southeast and a united Nigeria, where the voices of all citizens are valued and respected.
The statement reads “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, takes this momentous occasion to announce our unequivocal relief and support in light of the recent arrest of Simon Njoku Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafran independence movement. The ramifications of this event, executed by the District Court of Päijät-Hame in Finland, are monumental and expected to resolve the pervasive insecurity challenges that have beleaguered Southeastern Nigeria for far too long.
“Ekpa has been remanded in custody on serious charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. His tumultuous ambition to publicly declare a Sovereign Biafra Nation—a scheme set to take shape on December 2, 2024—was not only misguided but indicative of a reckless disregard for the profound consequences such a declaration would evoke. His intentions could have sparked uncontrollable civil unrest and perhaps culminated in another Biafran War, a prospect that the Igbo people have conclusively rejected and remain unprepared to engage in. The echoes of the previous conflict, which left indelible scars on our history, stand as a stark reminder of the devastation war brings.
“Upon this crucial arrest, Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically denounces the notion that individuals like Simon Ekpa possess the capability or legitimacy to summon the Igbo Nation into a conflict. This organization acknowledges Ekpa’s disturbing record over the last three years, wherein he has systematically wreaked havoc upon the very fabric of our society and economy, implementing his illegitimate Monday Sit-At-Home directive with the aid of armed men who have terrorized our communities. The financial toll from these activities is staggering, amounting to a loss of over 22 trillion naira in investment opportunities, thereby stifling the economic viability of our region.
“There is a pervasive atmosphere of relief permeating across the 95 Local Government Areas of Southeastern Nigeria since the announcement of Ekpa’s arrest. The collective silence that now blankets our communities speaks volumes about the anticipation that his detention may sever ties to his alleged sponsorship of terrorism that has spiralled into our region. The citizens, long traumatized by the unchecked terror he and his followers unleashed, are hopeful that the Finnish authorities’ decisive action represents a critical juncture in restoring peace and stability.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is compelled to express its longstanding suspicions regarding the Finnish government’s inaction regarding Simon Ekpa’s activities over the past three years. As a Finnish citizen, he exploited the freedoms offered within that society to orchestrate broadcasts that incited violence and animosity against the very nation in which he resides. It is a matter of profound concern for all of us that mercenaries, veiled as agitators, infringe upon our quest for peace while undermining our autonomy.
“The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, articulates that this organization is deeply disturbed by the violent disruptions wrought by Simon Ekpa and his cohorts over the past three years. Our aspirations are clear: the Ndigbo people seek a restructured Nigeria that fosters peace, dialogue, and development, rather than retracing steps towards conflict. We do not share any sympathies towards Ekpa’s current predicament; rather, we are resolute in our commitment to safeguarding the aspirations of our people.
“As we look toward December 2, 2024, we urge the Finnish Government and relevant international bodies to act swiftly and decisively. We expect continued vigilance and actions that ensure no further endeavours like Ekpa’s are permitted to disrupt our fragile peace.
“Let this be a clarion call for unity, peace, and collective progress as we embark on a new chapter, free from the shadows of violence and discord” the statement concluded.
