ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (Chatnewstv.com) — Pan-Igbo cultural group Ohanaeze Ndigbo has praised the Federal Government for what it called a firm commitment to ending insecurity in the Southeast, saying the imprisonment of Simon Njoku Ekpa in Finland underscores that resolve.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki, Deputy President General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro said Ekpa’s six-year prison sentence on terrorism-related charges marked “a turning point” in efforts to curb violence in the region.
Isiguzoro commended National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Matawalle and Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa for what he described as their “relentless efforts” in dismantling the influence of violent agitators.
“Their decisive actions have clearly reduced the widespread influence of terrorism and insecurity in our region. The resulting end of the disruptive sit-at-home orders, masterminded by Ekpa, marks a significant step towards stability and progress,” he said.
The Ohanaeze leader stressed that Igbo people reject violent agitation under the banner of Biafra.
“We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and reject any deviation from the principles of nonviolent self-determination,” Isiguzoro said.
He urged Biafra agitators still loyal to Ekpa to abandon violence.
“Many of Ekpa’s followers are educated graduates and young entrepreneurs who were lured by false promises. This marks a renewed clarion call for all armed agitators to surrender their arms, emerge from hiding, and cease the violence that has plagued the Southeast,” he said.
Isiguzoro said Ohanaeze would push for rehabilitation and empowerment programs to help reintegrate repentant agitators.
“Ekpa’s imprisonment represents a watershed moment for the Southeast. The Igbo people are deeply indebted to Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Dr. Bello Matawalle, and General Christopher Musa for ending Ekpa’s reign of terror,” he said.
While noting that some Southeast politicians may hesitate to openly applaud the development, Isiguzoro added, “behind closed doors, they share our appreciation for the Federal Government’s landmark achievements in addressing insecurity.”
