Ogechuwku Nkere, the Acting Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile(BRGIE), has responded to the June 24, 2025, congressional hearing concerning Biafran leader, Nnamdi Kanu “Transnational Repression: Trends and Policy Approaches” by providing the U.S. Congressional Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission with historic congressional testimony.
Mr. Nkere, a “Biafran-American Political and Human Rights Activist,” provided the testimony in his individual capacity.
According to reports, the testimony of the U.S. Congress on the Biafra problem is the first of its kind in contemporary history. Officially included in the congressional record, the testimony can be viewed by the public on the congressional website.
The Tom Lantos Human Rights Committee is Co-Chaired by Congressman Chris Smith and Congressman Jim McGovern. In March 2025, Congressman Smith, a prominent opponent of Nigeria’s Christian persecution, presided over a hearing on the subject in the US Congress.
According to Mr. Nkere’s testimony, Nigeria has violated the human rights of the Biafran people over the years. He also explained in detail how the detention of Biafran leaders Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa is an example of “trans-national repression.” According to the testimony, Nigeria was accused of both “kidnapping” Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya and bringing Simon Ekpa to Finland for a politically motivated prosecution.
The testimony told the U.S. Congress that if Nigeria doesn’t free Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and give him safe passage out of Nigeria, the U.S. government should block visas for Nigerian officials, apply fines and tariffs, and stop providing bilateral aid.
Additionally, the testimony suggests to the U.S. Congress that if Finland proceeds with its politically motivated trial of Simon Ekpa, the U.S. government should impose penalties and tariffs on the country.
The testimony could be viewed here Link to Tom Lantos Hearing “Transnational Repression: Trends and Policy Approaches”:
Link to Testimony by Mr. Ogechukwu Nkere to U.S. Congressional Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission:
