Pan-Igbo cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended the Federal Government for what it described as its strong resolve to end insecurity in the Southeast, saying the jailing of Simon Njoku Ekpa in Finland demonstrates that commitment.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement in Abakaliki, the group’s Deputy President General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, said Ekpa’s six-year prison sentence on terrorism-related charges marked a turning point in the fight against violence in the region.
Isiguzoro praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle; and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their “relentless efforts” in dismantling the influence of violent agitators.
“Their decisive actions have clearly reduced the widespread influence of terrorism and insecurity in our region. The resulting end of the disruptive sit-at-home orders, masterminded by Ekpa, marks a significant step towards stability and progress,” he said.
He stressed that the Igbo people remain opposed to violent agitation under the guise of Biafra, declaring:
“We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and reject any deviation from the principles of nonviolent self-determination.”
Isiguzoro appealed to Biafra agitators still loyal to Ekpa to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
“Many of Ekpa’s followers are educated graduates and young entrepreneurs who were lured by false promises. This marks a renewed clarion call for all armed agitators to surrender their arms, emerge from hiding, and cease the violence that has plagued the Southeast,” he said.
According to him, Ohanaeze will push for rehabilitation and empowerment programmes for repentant agitators to aid their reintegration into society.
“Ekpa’s imprisonment represents a watershed moment for the Southeast. The Igbo people are deeply indebted to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and General Christopher Musa for ending Ekpa’s reign of terror,” Isiguzoro stated.
He added that while some Southeast political leaders may be reluctant to publicly celebrate the development, “behind closed doors, they share our appreciation for the Federal Government’s landmark achievements in addressing insecurity.”
