The leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Mazi Simon Ekpa, has boldly accused the Nigerian government of perpetuating decades-long injustice, unfairness, and marginalization against the Igbo people. He firmly stated that there is no turning back on the pursuit of the Biafra referendum, as it is an indispensable step towards addressing these deeply rooted issues.
As the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and a respected lawyer based in Finland, Ekpa made these assertions during a momentous Two-day extraordinary Biafra referendum convention held in Helsinki, Finland. This convention, now renowned as the ‘Biafra Helsinki Declaration October 20-21, 2023’, provided a platform for Ekpa to shed light on the relentless struggles faced by the Igbo community and advocate for their right to self-determination.
Ekpa elucidated that the Biafra agitation, which initially stemmed from the marginalization of the Igbo people within Nigeria, has since evolved into a fight for their very existence. He passionately emphasized that the Nigerian government has yet to address the root causes fueling the Biafra agitation.
In no uncertain terms, Ekpa accused the Nigerian government of persistently perpetuating injustice and unfair treatment against the people of Biafra. He steadfastly asserted that without equity and fairness, the concept of a united Nigeria is fundamentally unsustainable.
Consequently, Ekpa revealed that the Igbo community has officially declared the establishment of the Biafra De Facto Government (BDFG) and BRGIE, entities dedicated to serving the Southeast region of Nigeria, which is currently under the occupation of the Nigerian government.
Furthermore, Ekpa adamantly reiterated that Biafra deserves the right to independence and liberation. He passionately voiced his concern over the evident international silence surrounding the conflict in Nigeria, expressing his belief that there may be a deliberate conspiracy to silence the cries for freedom within Biafra.
Speaking on the matter, Ekpa remarked, “For over a decade now, Biafrans have been agitating for freedom. What initially began as a response to marginalization has transformed into a battle for self-preservation. Instead of engaging in dialogue and addressing the grievances leading to the initial agitation, the Nigerian government has chosen to perpetuate violence against Biafra.”
“A country cannot claim to be united without inclusion, equity, and justice,” Ekpa continued. “By wielding marginalization as a weapon, the Nigerian government has inherently embraced failure.”
Mazi Simon Ekpa’s passionate stance serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for inclusivity, fairness, and justice within Nigeria. The echoes of the Biafra movement continue to reverberate, demanding attention and resolution from the global community.
