Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has described the arrest of Simon Ekpa as a significant step toward addressing insecurity and violence in Nigeria’s South East. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today from 37:52, Abaribe stated that Ekpa’s actions from his base in Finland have always been contrary to Igbo values and aspirations.
“It marks a turning point. It’s something that’s welcoming because what it does is tell all those at home who are purveyors of violence—who have been instigated by Simon Ekpa—to now realize that he actually said he’s just a content creator, not a Prime Minister as he calls himself,” Abaribe said.
The Senator criticized Ekpa’s claims of leadership and alleged role in encouraging violence, stating, “We’ve always said that what he continues to try to direct from Finland is antithetical to what the Igbo stand for. It’s totally wrong.”
Abaribe further emphasized that the original mission of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for non-violent advocacy has been hijacked by criminal elements. He lamented that the term “Biafra” is being exploited by kidnappers and other criminals to justify acts of violence.
“To an average Igbo, when you say Biafra, they feel, ‘Oh, you must be doing the right thing.’ But these criminals are using it to cause mayhem,” Abaribe noted. “Whatever they claim to be doing in the South East is not supported by anybody in the South East. All you have is a band of criminals.”
The arrest of Simon Ekpa has sparked discussions about the next steps to curb insecurity in the South East. Senator Abaribe’s remarks underscore the disapproval of violent actions by prominent Igbo leaders, who continue to advocate for peaceful and lawful solutions to regional challenges.