Biafra Declaration: Nigerian Govt Continues to Violate Igbo Rights, Says Ekpa
The Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Government in Exile has claimed that the Igbo people in Nigeria’s South-East region are continually marginalized and face significant mistreatment from the Nigerian government, despite their loyalty to the nation. Ekpa, in a recent statement on his X handle (formerly Twitter), highlighted the ongoing infringement on the fundamental human rights of Igbos, including those who hold high-ranking positions within the Nigerian government.
According to Ekpa, the only viable solution for the Igbos lies in embracing the Biafra movement. “Join hands with your fellow Biafrans in exercising your inalienable rights to self-determination; it is a moral obligation and, most importantly, a fight for self-preservation,” he urged, referencing his Declaration of the Restoration of Biafra’s Independence, scheduled to take place in Finland from November 29 to December 3, 2024.
Ekpa asserted that over 50 million Igbos have, in recent months, supported the Biafra Referendum, legally calling for self-determination and independence from Nigeria. He said, “You have served under Nigeria, and you are well aware that the establishment of Nigeria as an artificial experiment by the British has done nothing but the continuous violation of our fundamental basic human rights. For this reason, joining hands with your fellow Biafrans in exercising your inalienable rights to self-determination is a moral obligation and, most importantly, a fight for self-preservation.”
He emphasized that the efforts to actualize an independent Biafran state are proceeding through “an internationally recognized way of referendum,” signaling a peaceful approach in line with global standards.
Amid these developments, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has recently appointed Bianca Ojukwu, widow of the late Biafran leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, as a member of his cabinet. This move is perceived by some as an attempt to appeal to the South-Eastern region. However, the appointment has not been without controversy. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe expressed discontent, labeling the appointment following the dismissal of former Women Affairs Minister Uju Kennedy Ohanenye as part of what he called a “Renewed Shege” policy targeting the Igbo community.
