Ohanaeze Ndigbo has applauded the Federal Government’s firm stance against insecurity in the Southeast, citing Simon Ekpa’s incarceration as a clear signal of resolve.
In a statement from Abakaliki, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President-General of an Ohanaeze faction, acknowledged that Ekpa’s six-year prison sentence in Finland on terrorism-related charges demonstrates the government’s progress in dismantling the terror network that severely impacted the region.
Isiguzoro also extended heartfelt appreciation to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, recognizing their concerted efforts in combating regional insecurity.
He credited their actions for significantly reducing the influence of terror, including bringing an end to the protracted “sit-at-home” orders orchestrated by Ekpa, describing it as “a significant step towards stability and progress.”
“This development, marked by the Finnish government’s sentencing of Simon Ekpa, underscores the Igbo people’s resolute opposition to armed struggle under the guise of Biafra agitation,” Isiguzoro affirmed.
“We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and reject any deviation from the principles of nonviolent self‑determination.”
Ohanaeze also appealed directly to Ekpa’s followers, many of whom, data indicates, are educated young entrepreneurs misled into embracing armed struggle:
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo appeals to all Biafra agitators who have been misled by Simon Ekpa into embracing armed struggle to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
“We recognise that many of Ekpa’s followers are educated graduates and young entrepreneurs who were lured by false promises.”
He described Ekpa’s arrest as a renewed rallying point for peace:
“This marks a renewed clarion call and a rallying cry for all armed Biafra agitators to surrender their arms, emerge from their hiding places, and cease the violence that has plagued the Southeast.”
The group promised to advocate for rehabilitative and empowerment programs for returning agitators:
“We assure them that the Igbo leadership will implore the Federal Government to establish specialised rehabilitation and youth empowerment programs for repentant agitators, thus facilitating their reintegration into society.”
“Ekpa’s imprisonment represents a watershed moment for the Southeast. The Igbo people are deeply indebted to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and General Christopher Musa for ending Ekpa’s reign of terror.”
Finally, he acknowledged that not all regional political leaders are openly celebrating but assured that privately they share Ohanaeze’s sentiments:
“We are cognizant that some Igbo political leaders, particularly Southeast governors, may be hesitant to publicly express their elations, but nevertheless, behind closed doors, they share our appreciation for the Federal Government’s landmark achievements in addressing the Southeast’s insecurity challenges.”
(Agency Report)
