Simon Ekpa’s Imprisonment: Southeast Grateful To Ribadu, Matawalle & Musa Over Landmark Victory On Terrorism & Insecurity 

KINGSLEY EBERE 

The apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has expressed gratitude to 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 determination to fight terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria.

P.M.EXPRESS reports as was contained in a press release by the group signed by their National Deputy President General,  Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesman, Chief Chimereze Ohia, respectively on the heels of imprisonment of Simon Ekpa in Finland.

The statement read:

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide finds it imperative and obligatory to express profound gratitude and indebtedness to the Federal Government of Nigeria for its commendable efforts aimed at alleviating the pervasive insecurity challenges in the Southeast. We herald the landmark victory embodied in the incarceration of Simon Njoku Ekpa in Finland, where he has been sentenced to six years for terrorism-related offenses. This critical development marks a monumental step forward in our ongoing battle against terror and insecurity that have long afflicted our communities and region.”

“The Southeast region, thus, stands united in gratitude towards 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. Their relentless dedication and strategic interventions have successfully dismantled the nefarious Monday sit-at-home protests while concurrently making substantial inroads toward eradicating the broader issues of insecurity and terrorism plaguing our region.”

“In light of the Finnish government’s recent sentencing of Simon Ekpa, the people of the Southeast resoundingly reject any form of armed struggle under the guise of Biafra agitation. We unequivocally oppose all manifestations of terrorism and express our steadfast commitment to a nonviolent course of action in our pursuit of self-determination. It is vital that we convey this unvarnished truth with the utmost respect and clarity to the Federal Government: there exists a group of repentant, peaceful, and nonviolent pro-Biafra agitators who are ready and willing to collaborate with Federal authorities to put an end to the insecurity that has plagued our region.”

“This is a pivotal moment that calls for the Federal Government to embrace the “Carrots and Sticks” approach, a strategy famously utilized by former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua to end Niger-Delta’s Militancy in 2008. By initiating dialogue with these repentant agitators, the Federal government can address the long-standing grievances of the Southeast and effectively dismantle the root causes of agitation and unrest.”

“Consequently, we urge all Biafra agitators who have been led astray by Simon Ekpa into armed struggle to disarm and embrace the principles of peace and National reconciliation. The Igbo Nation recognizes that many individuals entangled in Ekpa’s networks are well-educated graduates and aspiring entrepreneurs who have been misled by the falsehoods regarding a non-existent Biafra Republic. This is a renewed clarion call—a rallying cry for all armed Biafra agitators to lay down their arms, abandon violent pursuits, and seek rehabilitation and reintegration into society.”

“We assure our youth that Ohanaeze Ndigbo will advocate for the Federal Government to establish specialized rehabilitation and youth empowerment programs for these repentant Biafra agitators. Simon Ekpa’s six-year imprisonment signifies the dawn of a new chapter for our people—a turning point that empowers the Southeast to reclaim its narrative. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and General Christopher Musa for their unwavering commitment to dismantling Simon Ekpa’s reign of terror and the misguided ideologies that have incited bloodshed and violence in our land.”

“While we recognize that many Igbo political leaders, including Southeast governors, may hesitate to publicly express their relief and satisfaction regarding Ekpa’s sentence, we are confident that their private reflections align with the collective joy felt by our people. They, too, are grateful for the Federal Government’s tangible achievements in addressing the pressing security challenges that threaten the stability and dignity of our region.”

“Let us thus move forward together—united in our resolve to foster peace, security, and socio-economic development within the Southeast, while resolutely rejecting any forms of violence and terror.” the statement concluded.