The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended the Federal Government for its role in the jailing of separatist leader Simon Ekpa, stating his six-year prison sentence brings renewed hope for peace in the South-East region.
Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen, was sentenced on Monday by a court in Finland after being found guilty of terrorism-related crimes and tax fraud.
In a statement on Tuesday, the groupโs Deputy President, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, specifically praised National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Matawalle, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their efforts in helping bring Ekpa to justice.
โWe commend the government for its landmark victory, specifically the incarceration of Simon Njoku Ekpa in Finland, resulting in a six-year prison sentence for terrorism-related charges,โ Isiguzoro said.
The organisation stated that Ekpaโs actions had previously โcaused fear and stopped normal life in many parts of the South-Eastโ but believes that with his sentencing, peace can now slowly return.
Ohanaeze used the development to reiterate its stance against violent agitation, stating it represents the Igbo peopleโs โresolute opposition to armed struggle under the guise of Biafra agitation.โ
โWe unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and reject any deviation from nonviolent self-determination principles. The Igbo nation stands united for peace and constructive dialogue,โ Isiguzoro added.
The group also issued a direct appeal to Ekpaโs followers, many of whom it described as โeducated graduates and young entrepreneurs misled by false promises,โ urging them to lay down their arms.
โThis is a renewed clarion call for all armed agitators to surrender and cease violence. The Igbo leadership will advocate for rehabilitation and youth empowerment programs for repentant individuals,โ the statement concluded.
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