By Uche Amunike
The Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, Saturday, has asked the federal government to repatriate controversial pro-biafran agitator and Finland-based leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, to Nigeria for prosecution as his conduct does not represent the Igbo interest.
Mbah made this disclosure while receiving the members of the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence in Enugu who paid him a visit after inspecting the construction of a training institute for the State Security Service (SSS) in the state.
Speaking to the lawmakers, the governor described Simon Ekpa as a scammer who had been feeding fat on the sufferings of the Igbo people, noting that he had been linked to some deadly attacks and enforcement of illegal sit-at-home orders in the south eastern region.
His words: ‘As you may also have noticed recently, they have continued to make attempts, particularly, that megalomaniac (Ekpa), who ironically resides with his family peacefully in Finland, a country where the rule of law reigns, but he encourages anarchy here and to goad some of our youths to their self-destruction.’
‘This is also a business for him (Ekpa), pretending to be fighting for Igbo’s interest, but does not know anything about the Igbo or have their interest at heart.’
He also stated that his government had stopped the illegal sit-at-home in the state as they continue to show determination to ensure that residents of Enugu State are safe.
He advised young people in the region to ignore the antics of Simon Ekpa, even as he made a vow that his government will not be intimidated by the threats of the agitators.
Hear him: ‘He (Ekpa) creates some kind of siege atmosphere and thrives on it to make a living, continuing to extort and exploit our people, who may not be aware and telling them that he is fighting for their interest.’
He also expressed his anger that the Finland government has continued to harbor Simon Ekpa, while his foot soldiers kill many residents and destroy properties in the south east, as they please.
He further stated: ‘It is surprising that the Finnish government allows this man to reside peacefully in their country and then perpetrate terrorism in Nigeria.’
‘And I think this is something your committee may have to wade into and see how this guy can be repatriated and then be brought to justice,’ he said.
‘Through his (Ekpa) statements and his actions, a lot of people have died and he continues in that trajectory. So, this is a tragedy that we must all work as a country to end. He doesn’t represent the Igbo interest.’
In response, the chairperson of the House of Representatives Committee, Ahmed Satomi, gave the governor the assurance of their readiness to corporate with him and ensuring security and development in the states.
He further explained that the cooperation of the Enugu State Governor will go a long way to actualize the lofty visions he mapped out for the state.
