Simon Ekpa

Last updated
Simon Ekpa
Simon Ekpa portrait, 2023.jpg
Ekpa in 2023
Born (1985-03-21) 21 March 1985 (age 39)
Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Citizenship Finnish
Occupation
  • Politician
Years active2019–present [1]
Organizations
  • Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE)
  • Biafra Liberation Army (BLA)
Known forBiafran separatism
Political party National Coalition Party
Movement Independence of Biafra
Awards Ambassador for Peace
Signature
The Signature of Simon Ekpa (Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic).svg

Ekpa Simon Njoku (born 21 March 1985), generally known as Simon Ekpa is a Finnish politician and former Nigerian athlete. [2] [3] He is the leader ("Prime Minister") of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile and its military wing, the Biafra Liberation Army, founded in 2023. [4] [lower-alpha 1] [8] [9] [10]

Contents

Early life, education and career

Ekpa was born on 21 March 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, in the southeastern Nigeria. [11] [12] Ebonyi State had previously been part Biafra, a partially recognized state that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. [13]

Ekpa won the 100 meters silver medal for Nigeria at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon. [11] He left athletics because of a knee problem. [9]

Since 2007, he has lived with his family in Lahti, Finland. He learned Finnish, became a citizen and did military service [14] [6] in the Finnish military at the Häme Regiment in Hennala in 2013 as well as a reservist in the Finnish Army. [14] He was a candidate in the 2022 Finnish county elections under the National Coalition Party of Finland. [7] As of 2023, he is a city councillor in Lahti. [14]

Since 2009, Ekpa states, he has worked in the legal field, including as a legal advisor; however, Ekpa is not an attorney in Finland, and he does not represent his own clients in court. [3] Ekpa became familiar with the legal field while on internship at his ex-wife's law office. [15]

Ekpa has stated that he is an expert, a legal advisor, and has a Master of Law (LLM) degree from the Welsh Aberystwyth University, but upon inquiry by Yle, the university didn't give any information about the degree. [3] [12] Ekpa has no apparent lower or higher legal degree. [3]

Activism and separatism

Ekpa was noticed by Nigerian media in late 2019, when he posted a video claiming that Nigerian soldiers had been killed by Boko Haram. According to a Nigerian rights attorney, the purpose was to "disillusion Nigerians especially soldiers to resign from the Army". [1]

In July 2021, Ekpa was announced the lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra, associated with the separatist organisation Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after the arrest of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. [11] [16] However, Ekpa was not allowed to broadcast [17] [18] for violation of the rules of the organisation. [19] In 2022, IPOB accused Ekpa of illegal activities and stated that IPOB was a peaceful organization. [20] In July 2023, the Daily Post said that Ekpa led a faction of IPOB. [21] According to Ekpa, IPOB was dissolved in a vote, renamed "Autopilot", and he became its spokesman. Premium Times said in August 2023 that Autopilot was a faction of IPOB. Zubairu Dada, Nigerian minister, said the same year that "When [Ekpa] gives instructions, destruction follows. They cause killing, maiming, fires, whatever." [9] [22] Nigerian general Christopher Gwabin Musa said "In the South-east, Simon Ekpa has become a menace to this country. The country must act on it diplomatically. [Ekpa] is having a freeway because [Finland] are encouraging him to do what he is doing. His utterances and actions are affecting what is happening in Nigeria." Ekpa said in 2024 that he is in daily contact with Kanu. [23]

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB Nnamdi Kanu.png
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB

According to a report from Yle, Ekpa's activism started to gather mainstream attention in February 2023. The local Kokoomus party in Lahti stated that it had started an internal investigation of these claims. A representative of the association Igbo Union Finland said: "He should stop inciting hatred and provoking. Ekpa does not represent the Igbo people of Finland". The Nigerian government has also demanded Finland stop Ekpa's activities. [24] Yle interviews with residents of Enugu suggested extensive fear of Ekpa and compliance with his "sit at home" orders which involved the 2023 Nigerian elections. [25] In late February 2023 Yle reported Ekpa is being suspected of having raised funds in an illegal manner by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation. [26] As of early 2023, his speeches on Twitter had around 800, 000 views. [7]

Yle reported in February 2023 that "estimates of the number of gunmen loyal to him vary greatly, from hundreds to tens of thousands, and his exact position in the separatist groups is unverified." [7] In April 2023, he declared that he had been appointed as the prime minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). [8] Nigerian news media have variously referred to him as "prime minister" or "self-acclaimed prime minister" of the government-in-exile. [27] [28] [29] [30] Ekpa stated in 2023 that "Biafra Republic Government In-Exile is registered, approved and legal. Agent of Nigeria, take note!" [31] As of 2024, it has a main office in Maryland, US. [9] IPOB called the BRGIE "double agents sponsored by the Nigerian government to ridicule the IPOB movement". [32] Suomen Kuvalehti said in 2024 that "Be it as it may, Ekpa is now at least the prime minister by some." [9]

In December 2022, Ekpa ordered a five-day sit at home civil disobedience campaign [33] in the southeast and parts of southern Nigeria [34] from 9 to 14 December 2022. [35] On 14 June 2023, Ekpa announced a week-long sit at home campaign from 3 to 10 July 2023, [36] which according to The Whistler recorded 70% compliance. [37] The sit-at-homes have been enforced by gunmen. [21] [38] Ekpa has continued Kanu's sit-at-home orders, to protest the imprisonment of Kanu. IPOB objected. The head of ACLED's Nigerian branch criticizes 'Ekpa's faction' for attacking those not following this curfew. Ekpa denies violence against civilians, by stating "After the creation of the defensive forces, government forces no longer encroach on our area, because we have manpower all over, that protect". [9] [22] In 2023, he declared that no elections would be held in the region that year. [7] [39] In May 2024, BRGIE declared a three-day sit at home from 29 to 31 May. Ekpa said it was "necessary to enable Biafrans vote for the Liberation of Biafra". IPOB disagreed on the date, having earlier declared their own sit at home on May 30. [40] [41] The conflicting messages caused confusion and fear of violence in the region, and police and military said that people should go about their lawful business. [42]

In October 2023, Ekpa and cabinet members of BRGIE hosted a three-day convention in Helsinki, Finland, where a possible Biafran referendum was discussed with participants and attendants from Biafra. [43] [44] [45]

Ekpa also announced the formation of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group fighting for secession from Nigeria. [46] He had previously claimed to control the Eastern Security Network, IPOB's armed wing, [7] and said this group was renamed BLA. [9] BLA was suspected to have killed a police in Imo State in November 2023. [47] [48] According to Ekpa, it has a hundred thousand soldiers. [9] IPOB disassociated itself from the BLA. [49] In late 2023, Ekpa and Ambazonian activist Ayaba Cho Lucas announced a military pact between their respective organizations against the Cameroonian and Nigerian governments. [50] BRGIE has stated that it intends to issue a "declaration of Biafra independent state" in late 2024. [9] [51]

In March 2024, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) declared Ekpa and more than 90 others "wanted" for "terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes." [52] [53] [54] Ekpa responded that he had nothing to do with Nigeria, and declared other people "wanted" in his turn. [55] In May 2024, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights in Banjul, the judicial arm of the African Union (AU), acknowledged a petition by the BRGIE regarding Kanu and a declaration of the restoration of independent state of Biafra. [56]

Award

On 25 May 2023, the Universal Peace Federation awarded Ekpa Ambassador for Peace at the African Day Celebration in Helsinki, Finland. [5]

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

Notes

  1. ↑ BRGIE works for the total independence and reinstatement of Biafra, a short-lived state in West Africa, which existed from 1967 until 1970. [5] [6] [7]

Citations

  1. 1 2 Rasak, Adekunle (2019-12-15). "Nigerians should discountenance video on alleged capture of soldiers ― Rights Attorney". Nigerian Tribune . Retrieved 2024-04-19.
  2. ↑ "Nigeria asks Finland to clamp down on Lahti resident and Biafra separatist leader Simon Ekpa". Yle . 2023-02-17. Retrieved 2023-12-31.
  3. 1 2 3 4 Hämäläinen, Veli-Pekka; Rautio, Marjatta (24 February 2023). "Lahtelaisen kapinajohtajan Simon Ekpan lakifirma ajautui talousvaikeuksiin – todettiin ulosotossa varattomaksi" [Lahti-based rebellion leader Simon Ekpa's law firm ran into financial difficulties - it was found to be unresourced in the foreclosure]. Yle (in Finnish). Retrieved 26 April 2024. Ekpa kuvaa yrityksensä verkkosivuilla itseään asiantuntijaksi erityisesti ulkomaalaislaissa. Hän ei kuitenkaan edusta asiakkaitaan itse oikeudessa eikä ole asianajaja. (...) Ekpa on kertonut verkkosivuillaan ja sosiaalisessa mediassa saaneensa tutkinnon walesiläisestä Aberystwythin yliopistosta. Yle kysyi asiaa yliopistosta. Sieltä ei annettu tietoja tutkinnoista. [Ekpa describes himself on his company website as an expert, especially in immigration law. However, he does not represent his clients in court himself, and he is not a lawyer. (...) Ekpa has said on his website and social media that he received a degree from the Welsh University of Aberystwyth. Yle asked the university about this. There was no information about any degrees].
  4. ↑ Amin_3 (2024-04-23). "Stay off our lands- Biafra Liberation Army warns Bandits, Terrorists - Peoples Daily Newspaper" . Retrieved 2024-05-26.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  5. 1 2 "Simon Ekpa sai "rauhanlähettiläs-palkinnon" Helsingissä – Lahdessa asuva liikemies tunnetaan nigerialaisten lietsomisesta kapinaan" [Simon Ekpa received the "peace ambassador award" in Helsinki - the Lahti-based businessman is known for inciting Nigerians to revolt [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 2023-06-01. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
  6. 1 2 "Simon Ekpa: Nigeria's Ipob faction leader arrested in Finland". BBC News. 2023-02-23. Retrieved 2023-06-12.
  7. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Parkkari, Jani (16 February 2023). "Lahtelainen kunnallispoliitikko johtaa aseellista kapinaa Nigeriassa – määrännyt miljoonat ihmiset boikotoimaan vaaleja" [A municipal politician from Lahti leads an armed rebellion in Nigeria - ordering millions of people to boycott the elections [Google translate]] (in Finnish). Yle. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  8. 1 2 Uchechukwu, Oghenekevwe UCHECHUKWU (11 April 2023). "Ekpa declares self Biafra Prime Minister in Exile, names advisory council". ICIR. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Rämö, Aurora (2024-03-21). ""Biafran pääministeri" asuu Lahdessa – Erikoinen kokoomusvaikuttaja aiheutti diplomaattisen selkkauksen" [The "prime minister of Biafra" lives in Lahti - A peculiar coalition influencer caused a diplomatic row [Google translate]]. Suomen Kuvalehti (in Finnish). Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  10. ↑ Staff, Daily Post (2024-03-12). "Simon Ekpa's journey from track athlete to Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government in Exile". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  11. 1 2 3 TheCable (8 December 2021). "CLOSE-UP: Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu's Finland-based disciple and king of fake news". TheCable . Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  12. 1 2 Sobowale, Rasheed (16 April 2022). "Violence in South East: Who's Simon Ekpa?". Vanguard . Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  13. ↑ Omaka, Arua Oko (30 September 2016). The Biafran Humanitarian Crisis, 1967–1970: International Human Rights and Joint Church Aid. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 64. ISBN   978-1-61147-974-4.
  14. 1 2 3 "Nigeria asks Finland to clamp down on Lahti resident and Biafra separatist leader Simon Ekpa". Yle . 17 February 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  15. ↑ Pirilä, Marjo; Stolzmann, Jessica (12 March 2023). "Nigeriaan kapinaa lietsova lahtelaismies markkinoi lakipalveluita maahanmuuttajille – luulivat keskustelevansa asianajajan kanssa" [Lahti man inciting rebellion in Nigeria markets legal services to immigrants - they thought they were talking to a lawyer [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  16. ↑ "Ihe Finland kwuru maka ebubo na Simon Ekpa na-akpalite tigbuo-zogbuo n'Ọwụwa Anyanwụ" [Finland's comments on the accusation that Simon Ekpa is inciting violence in the East [Google translate]]. BBC News Ìgbò (in Igbo). 2023-01-21. Retrieved 2023-02-09.
  17. ↑ "IPOB sacks Kanu's successor in Radio Biafra". The Sun. 22 July 2021.
  18. ↑ Njoku, Lawrence (22 July 2021). "IPOB sacks Simon Ekpa as Radio Biafra broadcaster". The Guardian . Enugu . Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  19. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: IPOB Accuses Nnamdi Kanu's Self-proclaimed Disciple, Simon Ekpa Of Working With Nigerian Politicians, Security Agencies To Kill Igbo People". Sahara Reporters . New York. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  20. ↑ Samuel, Okonkwo (2 April 2022). "IPOB Reveals Name/Face Behind Unknown Gunmen In South East - Daily News Reporters". Daily News Reporters - Voice of the Southeast. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  21. 1 2 Ani, Emmanuel (5 July 2023). "Tension in Enugu as unknown gunmen enforce sit-at-home". Daily Post . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  22. 1 2 Ugwu, Chinagorom (5 August 2023). "Why Simon Ekpa will not stop sit-at-home in South-east — Nigerian senator". Premium Times . Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  23. ↑ Majeed, Bakare (21 November 2023). "Insecurity: Nigerian military accuses Finland of encouraging separatist leader". Premium Times . Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  24. ↑ "Hämeen kokoomus selvittää separatistijohtaja Simon Ekpan toimintaa Nigeriassa – Suomessa asuvat maanmiehet irtisanoutuvat väkivallasta" [The Häme coalition investigates separatist leader Simon Ekpa's activities in Nigeria - compatriots living in Finland resign from violence [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 2023-02-17. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  25. ↑ "Yle Nigeriassa: Miljoonat pysyvät kotona joka maanantai, kun Simon Ekpa Lahdesta käskee – pelko on seudulla kouriintuntuvaa" [Yle in Nigeria: Millions stay at home every Monday when Simon Ekpa from Lahti orders - fear is palpable in the region [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 2023-02-18. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  26. ↑ Rautio, Marjatta (24 February 2023). "Poliisi epäilee lahtelaista Simon Ekpaa rahankeräysrikoksesta – KRP selvittää myös nigerialaiskapinallisen toimia sosiaalisessa mediassa" [The police suspect Simon Ekpa from Lahti of a money-raising crime - KRP is also investigating the activities of the Nigerian rebel on social media [Google translate]]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  27. ↑ "Nnamdi Kanu's 'Disciple', Ekpa Writes UN, Announces Himself As Prime Minister Of Biafra Government In Exile, Lists Other Ministers, Office Holders | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. 13 April 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  28. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (24 May 2023). "Nnamdi Kanu in severe pain, needs urgent ear surgery – Ekpa raises alarm". Daily Post (Nigeria) . Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  29. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (5 June 2023). "Sit-at-home: Ekpa knocks Mbah, claims governor disgraced". Daily Post (Nigeria) . Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  30. ↑ Nnachi, Edward (2 October 2023). "Gunmen attack Ebonyi community, burn vehicles, others". The Punch . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  31. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (23 May 2023). "Nnamdi Kanu happy with Biafra Republic Government in Exile – Ekpa insists". Daily Post (Nigeria) . Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  32. ↑ Opejobi, Seun (16 April 2023). "Simon Ekpa: Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB have no link with Biafra govt in exile - IPOB". Daily Post . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  33. ↑ Obeta, Okechukwu (2022-12-07). "Ignore 5-day Sit-at-home Order, IPOB Tells South East Residents" . Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  34. ↑ Osaji, Sharon (2022-12-15). "Ekpa ends sit-at-home, says no elections in South-East". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2023-06-16.
  35. ↑ Sunday, Ochogwu (2022-12-06). "No 5-day sit-at-home in South-East – IPOB counters Simon Ekpa". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
  36. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (2023-06-14). "Ekpa announces weeklong sit-at-home to demand release of Nnamdi Kanu". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-06-15.
  37. ↑ "IPOB: Ekpa Alleges S'East Governors Sponsored Terrorists To Attack Him In Finland – The Whistler Newspaper". thewhistler.ng. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  38. ↑ "Simon Ekpa Sit-At-Home: Gunmen Attack, Set Police Van Ablaze In Enugu | African Examiner". African Examiner. 10 December 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  39. ↑ Jimada, Usman (July 2023). "Social Media Hate and Misinformation Campaign in the Nigeria 2023 Elections: Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities Researches". Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities Researches. 9 (7): 11.
  40. ↑ Henry, Umoru (5 May 2024). "Biafra civil war: BRGIE disagrees with IPOB on Sit-at-home in South East". Vanguard News.
  41. ↑ Isaac, Dachen (6 May 2024). "Simon Ekpa, IPOB disagree on sit-at-home for Biafra civil war heroes". Ripples Nigeria . Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  42. ↑ Ojiego, Nnamdi; Nwaiwu, Chimaobi; Alozie, Chinonso; Okutu, Peter (26 May 2024). "BIAFRA DAY: S/East on edge as IPOB, Ekpa's group issue conflicting 'orders'". Vanguard . Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  43. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (2023-10-19). "Simon Ekpa hosts three-day extraordinary conference on Biafra Referendum". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  44. ↑ Okafor, Emeka (2023-10-22). "The Biafra-Helsinki Declaration Convention". Dotland Media. Retrieved 2024-01-07.
  45. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (2024-05-05). "Biafra civil war: BRGIE counters IPOB on Sit-at-home in South-East". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-05-05.
  46. ↑ "Biafra Liberation Army, Resistance Fighters will protect Igbos in southeast - Simon Ekpa". Vanguard News.
  47. ↑ Agberebi, James (28 November 2023). "Gunmen kill DPO, inspector in Imo". The Guardian . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  48. ↑ Jimoh, Taiwo (28 November 2023). "UPDATE: Imo CP Hunt For Killers Of DPO, Orderly Murder". New Telegraph . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  49. ↑ Uzoaru, Stanley (2 October 2023). "IPOB disowns Biafra Liberation Army". The Sun . Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  50. ↑ "Executive summary - Cameroon". Cameroon Country Monitor. S&P Global. April 2024.
  51. ↑ Reporter, NigPilot News (2024-03-24). "Declaring Simon Ekpa wanted sessionist won't stop Biafra Independence declaration in 2024 - BRGIE". Nigerian Pilot News. Retrieved 2024-04-14.
  52. ↑ Odeniyi, Solomon (22 March 2024). "DHQ declares Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted". The Punch . Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  53. ↑ Omonobi, Kingsley (24 March 2024). "IPoB: Simon Ekpa, Chika Edoziem, Egede, 94 others wanted". Vanguard . Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  54. ↑ "DHQ declares Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted for terrorism, kidnapping". Peoples Gazette . 23 March 2024. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  55. ↑ Isaac, Dachen (25 March 2024). "Ekpa says Tinubu, Uzodimma, Soludo, service chiefs, others wanted for terrorism in S'East". Ripples Nigeria . Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  56. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (2024-05-25). "Nnamdi Kanu: BRGIE drags Nigerian govt to AU". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 2024-05-26.
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