The Igbo community in Finland has moved against Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed head of an autopilot Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, calling on the Finish and the Nigerian governments to restrain, investigate and bring him to justice for inciting violence in Nigeria's Southeast region.
In a statement by its spokesperson, Kingsley Orji, the Igbo community condemned Simon Ekpa's actions and utterances which it said: "have taken on a dangerously violent dimension of killing and devastation."
The group also strongly urged Simon Ekpa, who resides in Lahu, Finland, to stop his campaign to disrupt Nigeria's 2023 election in the East.
The statement read: “The Igbo community in Finland convened a meeting on December 18, 2022, to discuss the escalating crisis in Nigeria’s Southeast region.
"Mr. Simon Ekpa was present at the meeting, allowing us to ask him some pertinent questions.
“Prominent among the issues discussed was the recently enforced 5-day sit-at-home order issued by Mr. Simon Ekpa.
"The illegally imposed and ruthlessly enforced order caused incomprehensible economic misery and devastation to lives and property, causing significant anxiety among the Southeast population.
“The discussion also addressed his ongoing, vicious incitement that no elections or political gatherings will hold in the Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. A pronouncement that constitutes a gross breach of the people’s fundamental human right to assemble and vote.
“While we respect and recognize the right of individuals to express their thoughts, the Igbo Community in Finland strongly denounces Mr. Simon Ekpa’s seditious statements and actions, which have taken on a dangerously violent dimension of killing and devastation whenever he issues such directives.
"Due to his threats and the violent actions of his group in Southeast Nigeria, there is a high level of insecurity in Igbo territory, which makes it hard to travel and do business.
“Consequent upon the foregoing, the Igbo Community in Finland is openly and strongly condemning Mr. Simon Ekpa’s violent method of operation and wishes to state our position as follows:
*That we reject every illegal sit-at-home order or any other orders that restrict the economic activity and daily lives of people, as criminal elements have exploited such orders to kill, steal, and destroy properties in Igbo land.
*That we strongly urge Mr. Simon Ekpa to rescind his undiplomatic campaign slogan that ‘there will be no election in Biafra land in 2023’ and cease all his efforts to deprive Igbos of the opportunity and the right to vote and participate in the political process of electing their leaders.
“Simon Ekpa is warned strongly not to use social media to spread threats of violence, which is making the Igbo people of Nigeria angry.
“There is no place on the planet where people can simply hide, incite violence, and escape punishment, therefore, the Igbo community in Finland is calling for action as follows:
"That Simon Ekpa is immediately restrained, investigated, and made to face the full wrath of the law both in Finland and in Nigeria.
“Based on Belgian law on universal jurisdiction, the Finnish authorities should take jurisdiction right away and stop Mr. Simon Ekpa from continuing to incite violence against life and people, murder of any kind, mutilation, cruelty, and violation of the right to life.
“All relevant authorities should deploy all diplomatic channels to ensure that Mr. Simon Ekpa and his group are prevented from causing further damages,” the statement added.
Human Rights. Politics and Opinion.
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