Simon EkpaÂ
The news of the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister Biafra, by the Finnish Authorities has spread like wild fire.
Beyond the euphoria of his current incarceration, the Nigerian authorities should ensure that maximum diplomatic pressure and all available treaties and security cooperation if any between Finland and Nigeria are explored to get Ekpa extradited to the country to face trial on charges of terrorism sponsor and incitement to wit.
Ekpa not only sponsored terrorist activity in the country in the guise of promoting independence for the so-called Indigenous peoples of Biafra, he openly denigrated Nigeria, in addition to the fact that his activities have led to series of ordered sit at home in the southeast, a move that has led to decimation of southeast economy, wanton killings of innocent Nigerians and promotion of hate speech among others.
He has explored the use of social media to create a huge load of disaffection among various nationalities in the country, and has grossly undermined the federal government and national security through his Eastern Security Network, a ferocious shadowy standing army of misguided youths who have fallen for his antics, brainwashing and propaganda.
It’s thus fitting that the genuine Indigenous peoples of Biafra (IPOB) has denounced him as a standalone and no longer a member of their organization.
Through his terrorist activity, he has ensured fear, uncertainty and trepidation in southeast such that innocent, ordinary and influential Southeast indigenes are afraid to visit home for fear of instant death or kidnapping.
NATIONAL WAVES like millions of Nigerians who have sighed a relief on his arrest urges the federal government to leave no stone unturned to begin his extradition process, and if and when finally extradited should be given a fair trial.
On this occasion of his arrest, the security forces should double down to checkmate and put a halt to his foot soldiers in the country by intensifying intelligence gathering on their hideouts, movement and backers, and attempts should also be made to trace his funding of the outlawed IPOB. If enough intelligence can point to the trajectory of the funds, and how they are funnelled using shadowy financial networks , it will go along way towards eradicating the menace.
Government should also enter discussion with Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB with a view to securing lasting peace in the southeast.
