Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has accused Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafra agitator, of orchestrating violence and terror in Nigeria’s South-east. Speaking on Saturday, Mbah expressed these concerns during a visit from members of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence in Enugu.
Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based Nigerian and leader of the Auto Pilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been accused of inciting violence under the guise of fighting for an independent Biafran state. Mbah labeled Ekpa a “scammer” exploiting the plight of Igbos, alleging that he profits from the turmoil he instigates while living peacefully in Finland. The governor condemned Ekpa for encouraging anarchy in Nigeria, manipulating young people towards self-destruction for personal gain.
Mbah highlighted his administration’s success in ending the illegal sit-at-home orders that had paralyzed the state. He urged the youth of the South-east to reject Ekpa’s manipulative tactics and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to ensuring residents’ safety. Mbah asserted that Ekpa creates a siege mentality to exploit and extort unaware citizens, branding him a common criminal with no genuine interest in Igbo welfare.
Governor Mbah called on the lawmakers to consider repatriating Ekpa to Nigeria for prosecution. He criticized the Finnish government for allowing Ekpa to live peacefully while his followers wreak havoc in Nigeria. Mbah emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to bring Ekpa to justice, stating that his actions have resulted in numerous deaths and continued violence. He assured the lawmakers of his administration’s cooperation in the early completion of the State Security Service (SSS) training institute, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts in security matters.
RELATED: Nnamdi Kanu Appeals Federal High Court Ruling: A Closer Look
In response, the Chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee, Ahmed Satomi, pledged to collaborate with Governor Mbah to ensure security and development in the state. Satomi praised Mbah’s leadership in security and governance and requested his support for the timely completion of the SSS institute to actualize the administration’s vision for the state.
Reacting to the governor’s remarks, Ekpa took to his X handle on Sunday morning, accusing Mbah of being among those allegedly responsible for the killings in the South-east. Ekpa did not specifically deny the allegations of terrorism and murder but suggested that the governor’s comments were driven by fear of an impending sit-at-home order. He threatened further actions, indicating his group’s intention to unleash more terror in the region.
Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s resolve to protect the people of Enugu and the broader South-east. He urged the residents to disregard Ekpa’s threats and reassured them of the state’s capability to provide security through collaboration with security agencies. Mbah emphasized that the state would not succumb to intimidation and would continue to prioritize the well-being and hard work of its people over Ekpa’s disruptive influence.
In his final remarks, Governor Mbah called on the House of Representatives to pursue Ekpa’s repatriation to Nigeria to face charges of murder and terrorism. He stressed the need for a unified national effort to end the violence incited by Ekpa, who he asserted does not represent the true interests of the Igbo people. Mbah assured the committee of his administration’s support in enhancing security infrastructure and fostering a safe and prosperous environment for all residents of Enugu State.
#Mbah Calls for Simon Ekpa’s Repatriation Over Killings
