Biafra_Liberation_Army

Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa

Finnish lawyer, politician and Prime Minister of Biafra since 2023

Not to be confused with Simeon Ekpe.

Ekpa Simon Njoku,[4] generally known as Simon Ekpa (born 21 March 1985) is a Finnish local politician, legal advisor and former Nigerian athlete.[5][6] He is the self-declared prime minister[7] of a government-in-exile, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE),[8] which was founded in 2023. It works for the total independence and reinstatement[9] of Biafra, a short-lived state in West Africa, which existed from 1967 until 1970.[10][11][12][13][14]

Quick Facts Born, Citizenship ...

Early life, education and career

Ekpa Simon Njoku was born on 21 March 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.[15][1] After he completed his high school education, he enrolled at Aberystwyth University for a Master's degree in Law. He also went to Santiago Canyon College for additional lectures.[clarification needed][16] As a child, Ekpa was a local athlete but later developed to a professional, winning the 100 meters silver medal for Nigeria at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon.[1] Since 2007, Ekpa has lived with his family in Lahti, Finland, where he learned Finnish and did his military service.[17] He left athletics because of his knees failed him.[8] He was a candidate in the 2022 Finnish county elections under the National Coalition Party of Finland.[12] As of 2023, he is a city councillor in Lahti.[17]

Ekpa served in the Finnish military at the Häme Regiment in Hennala (2013) as well as a reservist in the Finnish Army.[17]

Activism and separatism

Ekpa was noticed by Nigerian media in late 2019, when he posted a video claiming that Nigerian soldiers had been killed by Boko Haram. According to a Nigerian rights attorney, the purpose was to "disillusion Nigerians especially soldiers to resign from the Army".[2]

In July 2021, Ekpa became the lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra, associated with the separatist organisation Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after the arrest of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.[1][18] However, Ekpa was dismissed the same month,[19][20] for violation of the rules of the organisation.[21] In 2022, IPOB accused Ekpa of illegal activities and stated that IPOB was a peaceful organization.[22] The Daily Post stated in July 2023 that Ekpa led a faction of IPOB.[23] According to Ekpa, IPOB was dissolved in a vote, renamed "Autopilot", and he became it's spokesman. Zubairu Dada, Nigerian minister, said the same year that "When [Ekpa] gives instructions, destruction follows. They cause killing, maiming, fires, whatever." Ekpa said in 2024 that he is in daily contact with Kanu.[8]

According to a report from Yle, Ekpa's activism started to gather mainstream attention in February 2023. The local Kokoomus parti in Lahti stated that they have started an internal investigation of these claims. Orji Anya Odim, representing the association Igbo Union Finland, stated "He should stop inciting hatred and provoking. Ekpa does not represent the Igbo people of Finland". The Nigerian government has also demanded Finland stop Ekpa's activities.[24] Yle interviews with residents of Enugu suggested extensive fear of Ekpa and compliance with his "stay at home" orders involving the 2023 Nigerian elections.[25] In late February 2023 Yle reported Ekpa is being suspected of having raised funds in an illegal manner by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation.[26]

Yle said in February 2023 that "estimates of the number of gunmen loyal to him vary greatly, from hundreds to tens of thousands, and his exact position in the separatist groups is unverified."[12] In April 2023, he declared that he had been appointed as the prime minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).[7] Nigerian news media have variously referred to him as "prime minister" or "self-acclaimed prime minister" of the government-in-exile.[27][28][29][30] Ekpa stated in 2023 that "Biafra Republic Government In-Exile is registered, approved and legal. Agent of Nigeria, take note!"[31] IPOB called the BRGIE "double agents sponsored by the Nigerian government to ridicule the IPOB movement".[32] Suomen Kuvalehti said in 2024 that "Be it as it may, Ekpa is now at least the prime minister by some."[8]

In December 2022, Ekpa ordered a five-day sit at home civil disobedience campaign[33] in the southeast and parts of southern Nigeria[34] from 9 to 14 December 2022.[35] On 14 June 2023, Ekpa announced a week-long sit at home campaign from 3 to 10 July 2023,[36] which according to The Whistler recorded 70% compliance.[37] The sit at home's have been enforced by gunmen.[23][38] Ekpa has denied any violence against civilians. In 2023, he declared that no elections would be held in the region that year.[12]

In October 2023, Ekpa and cabinet members of BRGIE hosted a three-day convention in Helsinki, Finland, where a possible Biafran Referendum was discussed with participants and attendants from Biafra.[39][40] Ekpa also announced the formation of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group fighting for secession from Nigeria.[41] BLA was suspected to have killed a police in Imo State in November.[42][43] According to Ekpa, it has a hundred thousand soldiers.[8]

The BRGIE has stated that it intends to issue a "declaration of Biafra independent state" in late 2024.[8][44] In March 2024, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) declared Ekpa and more than 90 others "wanted" for "terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes."[45][46][47] Ekpa responded that he had nothing to do with Nigeria, and declared other people "wanted" in his turn.[48]

Awards

On 25 May 2023, the Universal Peace Federation awarded Ekpa Ambassador for Peace at the African Day Celebration in Helsinki, Finland.[10]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    TheCable (8 December 2021). "CLOSE-UP: Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu's Finland-based disciple and king of fake news". TheCable. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  2. [2]
    Rasak, Adekunle (2019-12-15). "Nigerians should discountenance video on alleged capture of soldiers ― Rights Attorney". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  3. [3]
    https://nigerianpilot.news/2024/04/23/stay-off-our-lands-biafra-liberation-army-warns-bandits-terrorists/
  4. [4]
    "Athlete Profile". www.thepowerof10.info. Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  5. [5]
    "Nigeria asks Finland to clamp down on Lahti resident and Biafra separatist leader Simon Ekpa". News. 2023-02-17. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  6. [6]
    Hämäläinen, Veli-Pekka; Rautio, Marjatta (24 February 2023). "Lahtelaisen kapinajohtajan Simon Ekpan lakifirma ajautui talousvaikeuksiin – todettiin ulosotossa varattomaksi" [Lahti-based rebellion leader Simon Ekpa's law firm ran into financial difficulties - it was found to be unresourced in the foreclosure [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  7. [7]
    Uchechukwu, Oghenekevwe UCHECHUKWU (11 April 2023). "Ekpa declares self Biafra Prime Minister in Exile, names advisory council". ICIR. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  8. [8]
    Rämö, Aurora (2024-03-21). ""Biafran pääministeri" asuu Lahdessa – Erikoinen kokoomusvaikuttaja aiheutti diplomaattisen selkkauksen" [The "prime minister of Biafra" lives in Lahti - A peculiar coalition influencer caused a diplomatic row [Google translate]]. Suomen Kuvalehti (in Finnish). Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  9. [9]
    "December's Biafra Declaration: Highest historical quest for freedom – BRGIE – Disclosure News". Retrieved 2024-04-17.
  10. [10]
    "Simon Ekpa sai "rauhanlähettiläs-palkinnon" Helsingissä – Lahdessa asuva liikemies tunnetaan nigerialaisten lietsomisesta kapinaan" [Simon Ekpa received the "peace ambassador award" in Helsinki - the Lahti-based businessman is known for inciting Nigerians to revolt [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  11. [11]
    "Simon Ekpa: Nigeria's Ipob faction leader arrested in Finland". BBC News. 2023-02-23. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  12. [12]
    Parkkari, Jani (16 February 2023). "Lahtelainen kunnallispoliitikko johtaa aseellista kapinaa Nigeriassa – määrännyt miljoonat ihmiset boikotoimaan vaaleja" [A municipal politician from Lahti leads an armed rebellion in Nigeria - ordering millions of people to boycott the elections [Google translate]] (in Finnish). Yle. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  13. [13]
    Ariemu, Ogaga (2023-10-21). "Simon Ekpa accuses Nigerian government of injustice against Igbos, insists on referendum". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-12-28.
  14. [14]
    Ariemu, Ogaga (24 May 2023). "Nnamdi Kanu in severe pain, needs urgent ear surgery – Ekpa raises alarm". Daily Post. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  15. [15]
    Sobowale, Rasheed (16 April 2022). "Violence in South East: Who's Simon Ekpa?". Vanguard. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  16. [16]
    Mongina, Night (2023-07-05). "Simon Ekpa's biography: age, wife, net worth, state of origin". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2023-07-26.
  17. [17]
    "Nigeria asks Finland to clamp down on Lahti resident and Biafra separatist leader Simon Ekpa". Yle. 17 February 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  18. [18]
    "Ihe Finland kwuru maka ebubo na Simon Ekpa na-akpalite tigbuo-zogbuo n'Ọwụwa Anyanwụ" [Finland's comments on the accusation that Simon Ekpa is inciting violence in the East [Google translate]]. BBC News Ìgbò (in Igbo). 2023-01-21. Retrieved 2023-02-09.
  19. [19]
    "IPOB sacks Kanu's successor in Radio Biafra". The Sun. 22 July 2021.
  20. [20]
    Njoku, Lawrence (22 July 2021). "IPOB sacks Simon Ekpa as Radio Biafra broadcaster". The Guardian. Enugu. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  21. [21]
    "EXCLUSIVE: IPOB Accuses Nnamdi Kanu's Self-proclaimed Disciple, Simon Ekpa Of Working With Nigerian Politicians, Security Agencies To Kill Igbo People". Sahara Reporters. New York. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  22. [22]
    Samuel, Okonkwo (2 April 2022). "IPOB Reveals Name/Face Behind Unknown Gunmen In South East - Daily News Reporters". Daily News Reporters - Voice of the Southeast. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  23. [23]
    Ani, Emmanuel (5 July 2023). "Tension in Enugu as unknown gunmen enforce sit-at-home". Daily Post. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  24. [24]
    "Hämeen kokoomus selvittää separatistijohtaja Simon Ekpan toimintaa Nigeriassa – Suomessa asuvat maanmiehet irtisanoutuvat väkivallasta" [The Häme coalition investigates separatist leader Simon Ekpa's activities in Nigeria - compatriots living in Finland resign from violence [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 2023-02-17. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  25. [25]
    "Yle Nigeriassa: Miljoonat pysyvät kotona joka maanantai, kun Simon Ekpa Lahdesta käskee – pelko on seudulla kouriintuntuvaa" [Yle in Nigeria: Millions stay at home every Monday when Simon Ekpa from Lahti orders - fear is palpable in the region [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 2023-02-18. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  26. [26]
    Rautio, Marjatta (24 February 2023). "Poliisi epäilee lahtelaista Simon Ekpaa rahankeräysrikoksesta – KRP selvittää myös nigerialaiskapinallisen toimia sosiaalisessa mediassa" [The police suspect Simon Ekpa from Lahti of a money-raising crime - KRP is also investigating the activities of the Nigerian rebel on social media [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  27. [27]
    "Nnamdi Kanu's 'Disciple', Ekpa Writes UN, Announces Himself As Prime Minister Of Biafra Government In Exile, Lists Other Ministers, Office Holders | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. 13 April 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  28. [28]
    Ariemu, Ogaga (24 May 2023). "Nnamdi Kanu in severe pain, needs urgent ear surgery – Ekpa raises alarm". Daily Post (Nigeria). Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  29. [29]
    Ariemu, Ogaga (5 June 2023). "Sit-at-home: Ekpa knocks Mbah, claims governor disgraced". Daily Post (Nigeria). Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  30. [30]
    Nnachi, Edward (2 October 2023). "Gunmen attack Ebonyi community, burn vehicles, others". The Punch. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  31. [31]
    Ariemu, Ogaga (23 May 2023). "Nnamdi Kanu happy with Biafra Republic Government in Exile – Ekpa insists". Daily Post (Nigeria). Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  32. [32]
    Opejobi, Seun (16 April 2023). "Simon Ekpa: Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB have no link with Biafra govt in exile - IPOB". Daily Post. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  33. [33]
    Obeta, Okechukwu (2022-12-07). "Ignore 5-day Sit-at-home Order, IPOB Tells South East Residents". Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  34. [34]
    Osaji, Sharon (2022-12-15). "Ekpa ends sit-at-home, says no elections in South-East". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  35. [35]
    Sunday, Ochogwu (2022-12-06). "No 5-day sit-at-home in South-East – IPOB counters Simon Ekpa". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
  36. [36]
    Ariemu, Ogaga (2023-06-14). "Ekpa announces weeklong sit-at-home to demand release of Nnamdi Kanu". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
  37. [37]
    "IPOB: Ekpa Alleges S'East Governors Sponsored Terrorists To Attack Him In Finland – The Whistler Newspaper". thewhistler.ng. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  38. [38]
    "Simon Ekpa Sit-At-Home: Gunmen Attack, Set Police Van Ablaze In Enugu | African Examiner". African Examiner. 10 December 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  39. [39]
    Ariemu, Ogaga (2023-10-19). "Simon Ekpa hosts three-day extraordinary conference on Biafra Referendum". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  40. [40]
    Okafor, Emeka (2023-10-22). "The Biafra-Helsinki Declaration Convention". Dotland Media. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  41. [41]
    "Biafra Liberation Army, Resistance Fighters will protect Igbos in southeast - Simon Ekpa". Vanguard News.
  42. [42]
    Agberebi, James (28 November 2023). "Gunmen kill DPO, inspector in Imo". The Guardian. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  43. [43]
    Jimoh, Taiwo (28 November 2023). "UPDATE: Imo CP Hunt For Killers Of DPO, Orderly Murder". New Telegraph. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  44. [44]
    Reporter, NigPilot News (2024-03-24). "Declaring Simon Ekpa wanted sessionist won't stop Biafra Independence declaration in 2024 - BRGIE". Nigerian Pilot News. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  45. [45]
    Odeniyi, Solomon (22 March 2024). "DHQ declares Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted". The Punch. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  46. [46]
    Omonobi, Kingsley (24 March 2024). "IPoB: Simon Ekpa, Chika Edoziem, Egede, 94 others wanted". Vanguard. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  47. [47]
    "DHQ declares Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted for terrorism, kidnapping". Peoples Gazette. 23 March 2024. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  48. [48]
    Isaac, Dachen (25 March 2024). "Ekpa says Tinubu, Uzodimma, Soludo, service chiefs, others wanted for terrorism in S'East". Ripples Nigeria. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
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