Simon Ekpa’s Arrest: A Turning Point in the South-East’s Search for Peace?
The arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed “Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile,” by Finnish authorities has sparked heated discussions across Nigeria, particularly in the South-East. While many see this as a step toward addressing insecurity, Igbo elders and leaders argue that it’s not the ultimate solution. From economic destruction to bl00dshed, the region has suffered greatly, and the question on everyone’s mind is, How would we restore peace?
Simon Ekpa’s Arrest: A Turning Point in the South-East’s Search for Peace?
The arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed “Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile,” by Finnish authorities has sparked heated discussions across Nigeria, particularly in the South-East. While many see this as a step toward addressing insecurity, Igbo elders and leaders argue that it’s not the ultimate solution. From economic destruction to bl00dshed, the region has suffered greatly, and the question on everyone’s mind is, How would we restore peace?
Simon Ekpa’s activities have left a trail of pain and suffering in the South-East. From enforcing sit-at-home orders to allegedly masterminding k!llings, his actions have crippled the region’s economy and disrupted lives. For some, his arrest brought hope. Businessman Kingsley Okanume from Awka couldn’t hide his happiness, calling it a step toward curbing insecurity.
However, others, like HRM Eze Philip Ajomiwe, a traditional ruler from Umuahia, thinks differently. The royal father fears that Ekpa’s arrest might aggravate tensions unless the government also addresses the prolonged detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. For many Igbo leaders, Ekpa’s arrest is just one piece of a much larger puzzle.
Catholic Bishop Jonas Benson Okoye didn’t hold back when he called out the hypocrisy surrounding Ekpa’s actions. At the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi, he criticized Ekpa for enforcing sit-at-home orders in Igbo land while his own village in Ebonyi State operates freely on Mondays. The bishop lamented the loss of lives and property caused by those claiming to fight for the same Igbo people they terror!ze.
Similarly, Nze Bartholomew Akaolisa highlighted the damage caused by the rise of unknown gûnmen, allegedly under Ekpa’s command. He compared them to the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which was originally created by Nnamdi Kanu to protect Igbo communities from external thrêats, not to harm their own people.
The insecurity in the South-East, many argue, isn’t just about Ekpa or Kanu. It’s rooted in years of neglect, unemployment, poor infrastructure, and marginalization. The actions of agitators only add fuel to an already ráging fire.
Leaders and advocacy groups, such as the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), are urging the government to take a holistic approach to resolving the cris!s. They believe Ekpa should be extradited to Nigeria to face justice for the alleged atrocities he masterminded. Beyond this, they emphasize the need for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release as a crucial step toward calming tensions.
But justice alone isn’t enough. RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, called for a focus on the root causes of discontent. The region needs urgent action to tackle poverty, create jobs, and rebuild its crumbling infrastructure. These socio-political issues must be addressed if lasting peace is to be achieved.
The Federal Government has also vowed to intensify efforts to restore security in the South-East. Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru assured Nigerians that President Tinubu’s administration is determined to end insecurity, not just in the South-East but across the country. He called on the military to step up their operations, recognizing the crucial role peace plays in fostering economic growth and development.
The arrest of Simon Ekpa may have brought temporary relief to some, but it’s clear that this alone won’t solve the South-East’s deep-seated security issues. The SE needs justice, healing, and development. It’s a call for leaders, both traditional and political, to rise to the occasion and for every Nigerian to join hands in building a peaceful and thriving nation.
The pain of insecurity is real, but so is the hope for a better tomorrow. The question remains: will we seize this moment to rewrite the story of the SE?
