Simon Ekpa accuses Nigerian Government of injustice against Igbos, reiterates call for Biafra referendum

Mazi Simon Ekpa, leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), has leveled accusations against the Nigerian government, asserting that decades of injustice, unfair treatment, and marginalization have been directed at the Igbo people.

Ekpa emphasized the unwavering commitment to the realization of a Biafra referendum as a solution to the longstanding grievances.

Speaking during the ‘Biafra Helsinki Declaration October 20-21, 2023’, a two-day extraordinary convention held in Helsinki, Finland, Ekpa highlighted the core issue underlying the Biafra agitation. What initially began as a response to the marginalization of the Igbo people in Nigeria has evolved into a struggle for self-preservation.

Ekpa contended that the Nigerian government has failed to address the root causes of the Biafra movement, and he accused it of perpetuating injustice and unfair treatment against the people of Biafra. According to Ekpa, the idea of ‘one Nigeria’ cannot be sustainable without fairness and equity.

Consequently, he stated that Igbos have declared the Biafra De Facto Government (BDFG) and BRGIE to serve the nation and people of the southeast under Nigerian occupation.

Ekpa’s argument is that Biafra should be granted its independence and liberation as a means to address the longstanding grievances and disparities.

He further underscored the importance of dialogue and engagement in resolving conflicts and expressed his belief that the international community should not ignore the ongoing issues in Nigeria, particularly the resurgence of Biafra agitation as a plea for self-preservation.

In Ekpa’s view, the Nigerian government must address the root causes of the Biafra movement and address issues of inclusion, equity, and justice for the country to achieve unity.

The Biafra movement has not seen any meaningful concessions from the Nigerian government to address the fundamental issues that sparked the agitation, he noted. Instead, he criticized the continued use of force and repression.

Ekpa’s comments reflect the underlying tensions and grievances that persist in Nigeria, particularly in relation to the Igbos and the Biafra independence movement. His statement emphasizes the need for addressing these issues to ensure peace, unity, and justice in the nation.