Ekpa also defined Igbo in his statement as those who occupied the old Eastern region, insisting there is nothing like ‘One Nigeria’
By Kehinde Okeowo
Popular pro-Biafra agitator and separatist, Simon Ekpa has reacted to the alleged attack on Igbo businessmen in different parts of Lagos State.
He also condemned in strong terms the demolition of the properties of people of Igbo extraction in Ajao Estate in the state.
Ekpa, who is currently in exile, made this known in a statement on Tuesday, May 2, where he called for togetherness among Igbo and other ethnic groups of the old Eastern region.
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He went on to advise them never to abandon their Kinsmen in times of trouble.
Ekpa also defined Igbo in his statement as those who occupied the old Eastern region, insisting there is nothing like ‘One Nigeria’.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile has been drawn to three different cases of lynching of Biafra Businessmen in different locations in Lagos after being accused of witchcraft by Fulani Okada rider. In addition to the ongoing demolition of Biafra-owned houses in Ajao Estate.
“We wish to remind you of all of the popular sayings of our people, “Onye aghala nwanne ya” meaning, do not abandon your kinsperson, especially in times of trouble. Synonymous with that is “O nuru ube nwanne agbala oso,” which means that when you hear the screaming of your kinsperson, do not run in the opposite direction or pretend like you do not care. Another proverb is “Igwe bu ike,” which means we are stronger.
“If you are from anywhere within the Old Eastern Region of Nigeria, even though Nigeria segmented and divided you into different states and chiefdoms, you are one person. When the chips are down, Nigeria will treat all of you as Igbos. In Nigeria today, if you are neither a Northerner nor a Yoruba, you are seen and treated as an Igbo.
“Based on the events unfolding after the recently concluded rigged Nigerian general election (“Selection”) and the Biafra-phobia in Nigeria, there have been concerted efforts between Yorubas (in Lagos State) and Fulanis (Northerners) to exterminate the people of the Old Eastern Region (Biafra). The Old Eastern Region’s markets, homes, and businesses have been burnt down. The Yorubas in Lagos and the Fulanis have now graduated into lynching Easterners, including beating, clubbing and burning them to death.
“Remember the prelude to the Nigeria / Biafra war. Easterners (Biafrans), do not let history repeat itself. To be forewarned is to be forearmed.
“Some of you still insist and believe in One-Nigeria, despite Nigeria showing you all that you are their slaves with no fundamental human rights. They also show you that you do not have a right to life. Do you still insist on One-Nigeria? The decision is yours.
“We write to tell you all to join together. Never sit or watch your fellow Easterner killed, his shop burnt, or any maltreatment happens to your kinsperson while you do nothing. When you see your fellow Easterner being beaten, do not just use your camera and become a reporter – join the fight to rescue your kinsperson. It would help if you fought back. Take back your dignity. If you do not get down to the trenches, fight dirty, and defend yourselves now, you will all regret it now and later. Fight back the terrorists terrorizing you in your supposed One-Nigeria. When you survive, you will choose to become the Biafran you are supposed to be and live in your royal freedom. Remaining in One Nigeria means perpetual servitude to the Fulani-North and Yoruba in Lagos.
“Meanwhile, you are the ones boosting the economy of Nigeria, in which the Yoruba in Lagos and Fulani-North take pride. Without the Easterners (Biafra), there will be no Nigeria. Yet, you are not appreciated. We pray for your safety, security and well-being”.
