Nnamdi Kanu says Simon Ekpa is not his disciple and not working for IPOB
By Emma Ogbuehi
Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu has disowned Simon Ekpa who ordered a recent 5-day sit-at-home in the South-East region, saying he is neither his disciple nor working for him or the organisation. This is against the claims by Ekpa, in describing himself as Kanu’s disciple.
Ekpa who is based in Finland has been championing sit-at-home in the Southeastern part of Nigeria. His latest order which lasted from December 9 to 14, led to some people being killed and others injured by its enforcers in Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi. Not satisfied by the condemnable action, Ekpa has also asked his members to ensure that elections do not hold in Igbo land in 2023.
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Kanu who made the declaration in a statement by his lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, accused Ekpa of engaging in activities that run against the tenets of IPOB.
Ejiofor, in the statement, said Ekpa should be investigated for his actions.
The lawyer quoted Kanu as saying, “Simon Ekpa is not a member of IPOB. He should be investigated for the killings in the South-East and cannot be fighting for the self-determination of the Biafra people.
“The fact is clear. Simon Ekpa is being sponsored by persons we cannot mention this time to destroy the South-East. He cannot say he is fighting for Biafra’s emancipation and still instigating criminal elements to go after the people he claims he is fighting to protect.
“Members of the Eastern Security Network are somewhere killing our innocent people. This should tell you that Ekpa is acting out scripts by people who want to devour our lands. Ekpa is not my follower.
“He cannot say he is my follower or disciple. I condemn Simon Ekpa’s activities.
“I never sanctioned any sit-at-home declared by Ekpa. IPOB never authorised or sanctioned it. Go about your normal business and disregard the threats by Ekpa. He is one of the people who do not want peace in our region. Ekpa is not working for me or IPOB.”
Kanu’s denial came on the heels of a statement by IPOB on Friday in which its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, stated that Ekpa is not a member of the group and will be exposed.
Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has also condemned Ekpa and has commenced moves to demand his arrest and extradition from Finland.