The Igbo cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Tuesday hailed the Federal Government of Nigeria for its unwavering commitment to quelling the insecurity challenges plaguing the Southeast, saying that the imprisonment of Simon Ekpa is a clear indication.
In a statement obtained by The Guardian in Abakaliki, the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo faction, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, noted that the incarceration of Simon Njoku Ekpa in Finland, which resulted in a six-year prison sentence for terrorism-related charges, showed the government’s efforts in dismantling the reign of terror that has engulfed the Southeast.
Isiguzoro recognised and expressed heartfelt gratitude 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, for their relentless efforts toward tackling the insecurity that has engulfed the region.
He further explained that their decisive actions have clearly reduced the widespread influence of terrorism and insecurity in our region, adding that the resulting end of the disruptive “sit-at-home” orders, masterminded by Ekpa, marks 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”, he said.
“We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and reject any deviation from the principles of nonviolent self-determination”, he added.
He further stated, “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.
“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.
“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.
“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”.
