The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, is compelled to address the activities of Simon Ekpa’s associates  regarding to their intentions to Declare a Sovereign Biafran Nation on December 2, 2024 in Finland. This urgent press release serves to clarify the consequences of these actions, which will not only fail to impact Nigeria but will significantly exacerbate the ongoing destruction of the Southeastern region.

Following a thorough examination of the destructive activities pursued by Simon Ekpa and his dissident faction over the past three years, it has become abundantly clear that their actions have created a maelstrom of violence and suffering. The region—once celebrated for its educational excellence, cultural richness, and economic prosperity—has been reduced to a shell of its former self. As businesses flee from instability and fear grips our communities, we find ourselves in mourning not just for lost investments, but for the very essence of Igbo identity itself.

Recent statistics reveal that Igbos have sustained losses exceeding 34 trillion naira in investment opportunities across our 95 Local Government Areas due to the reign of terror propagated by Ekpa’s faction. This is a colossal tragedy that affects every Igbo household, as they endure the personal toll of violence, brutalities, and abductions perpetrated under the guise of seeking autonomy. The truth that begs acknowledgment is: what tangible achievements have been realized from this campaign of destruction? Have any of their actions succeeded in threatening federal economic interests or eliciting any substantive governmental response?

We must be candid. The answer is a resounding no. Rather than destabilizing Nigeria as intended, this group has only succeeded in further marginalizing our people, undermining our communities, and driving investment away from our beloved Southeast. In contrast, the Federal Government has remained unyielding, dispatching military assets to suppress the criminalities that have stunted our growth, resulting in a more heavily policed region that has lost its appeal for both local and foreign investors.

While we watch these self-inflicted injuries, it is not lost on us that some of our Southeastern governors appear to be the unwitting beneficiaries of this chaos, as they receive increased allocations while seemingly diverting local government funds for personal gain. Their recent retreat from negotiations concerning the release of Nnamdi Kanu, following the Southeast Governors’ meeting in Enugu on July 2, 2024, further underscores a failure in leadership and unity necessary for our collective welfare.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo vehemently calls upon all individuals involved in the gatherings in Finland to understand that they do not have the legitimate authority to speak or act on behalf of the Igbo populace at home and in the diaspora. Their forthcoming declaration of independence is not only audacious but entirely unfounded. It is a reckless endeavor that could elevate tensions and provoke further military action against our region during a season that should be characterized by unity and celebration.

We implore those aligned with Simon Ekpa’s faction—social media content creators, in particular—to reconsider their misguided path, as their actions pose a tangible threat not only to our social fabric but also to their own families and communities. The fallout of such reckless defiance could incite a military presence that exacerbates the humanitarian crisis during the holiday season, further entrenching suffering among the very people these dissidents claim to represent.

Moreover, we wish to make it abundantly clear: any escalation resulting from these declarations will only serve to complicate Simon Ekpa’s legal challenges in Finland. The Finnish government will likely utilize any counteractions as critical evidence that could accelerate his prosecution by May 2025, thus magnifying his woes and displaying a complete disregard for the safety and dignity of our people.

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, emphasizes that we cannot and will not tolerate the perpetuation of further disaster and self-imposed suffering from imposters masquerading as legitimate Biafra agitators. This represents one of the gravest injustices—a collective insult to the sensibilities of all Southeast residents. As we assess the inequities within our national discourse, it is clear why the Nigerian Federal Government has sought negotiation with Niger Delta militants and Boko Haram, providing them with amnesty and rehabilitation, yet opting for violence and repression in dealing with self-identified Biafran agitators.

It remains critical to acknowledge that those intent on declaring a Biafran independence in Finland will be held accountable for the ramifications of their misguided actions. Any attempts to trade the promise of peace for destructive violence will be met with resolute resistance by a sophisticated and unified Igbo nation. We categorically distance ourselves from any Biafran independence declaration made abroad and characterize it as a misguided farce perpetrated by Ekpa and his cohort of social media miscreants.

In closing, we call upon our people—leaders, elders, and youth alike—to embrace a renewed commitment to peace and unity while seeking constructive avenues to safeguard the interests of the Southeast. Together, let us dismantle the structures of division and work towards a prosperous and secure future for all Igbos.

Signed:

Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro  

Secretary General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo