Simon Ekpa faults Tinubu, Peter Obi over tributes to Gowon

Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa has faulted President Bola Tinubu and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, for paying tribute to former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday anniversary.

Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), criticised the former military leader, stating that many Biafrans were killed during Gowon’s regime.

His comments come in reaction to the tributes by Tinubu and Obi on Saturday.

In his tribute, Tinubu noted that the former military leader contributed significantly to Nigeria and served the country meritoriously.

Similarly, Obi praised Gowon, saying, “In a time of hate, you stood for love. At a time of strife, you stood for peace. At a time of division, you stood for unity.”

“Your life of service to our great nation, Nigeria, stands as one of sacrifice, leadership, and unity.”

However, Ekpa, a prominent agitator, described the tributes as a “disgrace.”

He stated that many Biafrans were killed during Gowon’s pursuit of a unified Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970.

According to Ekpa, if Nigeria were truly good, Gowon would have stayed in the country rather than residing in the United Kingdom.

“Tinubu is a disgrace for his tribute to Gowon. Gowon killed Biafrans for one Nigeria, and at 90, he is not proudly staying in Nigeria but ran to the UK. While the people he killed are returning at 70, he is running to London. Our happiness is that we banned him from entering Biafraland, and he chickened out. He should come if he is a man,” Ekpa said.

Responding to Obi’s tribute, Ekpa added, “Nigeria will happen to you, and it will not be long. Just as you are proudly confessing it, those following you will also talk like they usually talk when Nigeria happens to others.”

Recall that Obi came under fire from his supporters following his tribute to Gowon.