HELSINKI (ChatnewsTV) — Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), announced on Thursday that a key member of his government met with U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) to discuss issues related to Biafra and the Nigerian government.
Ekpa, a Finland-based separatist agitator who has been blacklisted by the Nigerian government for his role in violent activities in the country’s southeast, revealed the meeting on his official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to Ekpa, BRGIE Finance Minister Ogechukwu Nkere, along with a delegation of Biafran-Americans, had a “friendly exchange” with Gaetz.
“BRGIE Finance Minister Ogechukwu Nkere had the chance to have a friendly exchange with Congressman Matt Gaetz, a well-known member of Congress,” Ekpa wrote in his post.
The meeting reportedly took place as part of the delegation’s efforts to garner international support for their movement. Ekpa also disclosed that the same delegation met with Congressman Tom Kean (R-NJ) in Washington, D.C., to discuss broader issues relating to the Biafra Government in Exile and the Nigerian government. Ekpa noted that Congressman Kean provided “helpful advice, insights, and suggestions” during what he described as a “substantive and detailed discussion.”
The delegation, according to Ekpa, also shared information with Kean about the Biafran-American community in New Jersey. “The delegation appreciated the Congressman’s friendly engagement and hospitality,” Ekpa added in another post.
While the meetings have not been officially confirmed by either Congressman Gaetz or Kean, Ekpa’s announcement has sparked fresh controversy, particularly given the ongoing tensions surrounding separatist movements in Nigeria. The Nigerian government has consistently rejected Ekpa’s claims and labeled his actions as illegal, accusing him of inciting violence and unrest in the southeastern region of the country.
The Biafra Government in Exile, though unrecognized, claims to represent the interests of the Biafran people, seeking independence from Nigeria. However, critics argue that the movement has been linked to violent activities in recent years, raising concerns about its legitimacy and approach.
As of now, there has been no formal response from U.S. authorities regarding the reported meetings.
