Simon Ekpa: Ohanaeze euphoric, applaud Ekpa’s timely conviction in Finland court

Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the leading Igbo sociocultural group, has praised the Federal Government for imprisoning Simon Ekpa in Finland and giving him a six-year prison term on terrorism-related charges.

The body’s deputy president general, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, commended Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser; Dr. Bello Matawalle, the minister of state for defence; and General Christopher Musa, the chief of defence staff, for their efforts to end the reign of terror that had impacted the South East zone in a statement released on Tuesday.

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“We commend the government for its landmark victory, specifically the incarceration of Simon Njoku Ekpa in Finland, resulting in a six-year prison sentence for terrorism-related charges,” Isiguzoro said.

He emphasised that disruptive “sit-at-home” orders that Simon Ekpa had previously applied have considerably decreased the impact of terrorism and insecurity in the Southeast as a result of the action.

“This development underscores the Igbo people’s resolute opposition to armed struggle under the guise of Biafra agitation. We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and reject any deviation from nonviolent self-determination principles. The Igbo nation stands united for peace and constructive dialogue,” Isiguzoro added.

The Ohanaeze group also urged Simon Ekpa’s  supporters who had been duped into engaging in violent conflict to put down their weapons and embrace nonviolence.

“We recognise that many of Ekpa’s followers are educated graduates and young entrepreneurs misled by false promises. This is a renewed clarion call for all armed agitators to surrender and cease violence. The Igbo leadership will advocate for rehabilitation and youth empowerment programs for repentant individuals,” Isiguzoro said.