The apex Igbo sociocultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has commended the federal government following the incarceration of Simon Ekpa in Finland, resulting to a six-year prison sentence for terrorism-related charges.
In a statement issued by its Deputy President General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze praised 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 for their relentless efforts in dismantling the reign of terror that has gripped the South-East in recent years.
The organisation said Ekpa’s sentencing by the Finnish government underscored the Igbo people’s firm rejection of armed struggle disguised as Biafra agitation.
“We commend the government for this landmark victory, specifically the incarceration of Simon Njoku Ekpa in Finland, which has resulted in a six-year prison sentence for terrorism-related charges,” Isiguzoro said.
He added that the people of the South-East and the wider Igbo nation are grateful to Ribadu, Matawalle, and Musa for their decisive actions, which have weakened the pervasive influence of terrorism in the region.
“The resultant cessation of the disruptive ‘sit-at-home’ orders, masterminded by Ekpa, represents a significant stride toward stability and progress,” Isiguzoro stated.
He further noted that the development reflects the Igbo nation’s commitment to nonviolent self-determination.
“This sentencing underscores our resolute opposition to armed struggle under the guise of Biafra agitation. We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and reject any deviation from peaceful resolution and constructive dialogue,” he said.
Ohanaeze also declared its readiness to collaborate with Ribadu, Matawalle, and Musa to permanently eradicate insecurity in the geopolitical region, pledging full support in the pursuit of peace and stability.
The group appealed to all Biafra agitators misled by Ekpa to renounce violence and embrace peace.
“We recognise that many of Ekpa’s followers are educated graduates and young entrepreneurs who were lured by false promises. This is a renewed clarion call for all armed Biafra agitators to surrender their weapons, leave their hideouts, and end the violence that has plagued the South-East,” Isiguzoro urged.
He assured that the Igbo leadership would prevail upon the federal government to introduce specialised rehabilitation and youth empowerment programmes for repentant agitators to aid their reintegration into society.
