In a fervent declaration at the ‘Biafra Helsinki Declaration October 20-21, 2023’ convention in Helsinki, Finland, Mazi Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and a Finland-based lawyer, vehemently accused the Nigerian government of perpetuating decades-long injustice, unfairness, and marginalization against the Igbos. He asserted that the Biafra referendum, aimed at addressing these longstanding issues, was non-negotiable.
During the two-day extraordinary Biafra referendum convention, Ekpa, who also serves as the Prime Minister of BRGIE, emphasized that the Nigerian government has failed to address the root causes of the Biafra agitation. He criticized the government’s lack of equity and fairness, stating that the concept of ‘one Nigeria’ cannot be sustained without these fundamental principles.
Ekpa pointed out the transformation of the Biafra agitation over the years, shifting from a protest against marginalization and exclusion from governance to a struggle for self-preservation. He expressed dismay at the international community’s silence on the conflict in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of addressing the ongoing crisis.
Furthermore, Simon Ekpa revealed that Igbos have established the Biafra De Facto Government (BDFG) and BRGIE to serve the Southeast region under the occupation of Nigeria. He criticized the Nigerian government’s approach, highlighting the lack of dialogue and engagement in response to citizens’ grievances.
According to Ekpa, true unity in Nigeria can only be achieved through inclusion, equity, and justice, elements he deemed essential for a united nation.
“It is as though there is an international conspiracy not to talk about the ongoing conflict in Nigeria.
“For over a decade now, Biafrans are again been agitating for freedom. What was initially motivated by agitation against marginalisation has transformed into agitation for self-preservation.
“Agitation for Biafra that re-emerged again more than a decade ago to protest exclusion from governance and marginalisation regarding resource sharing and infrastructure development has since turned to agitation for self-preservation.
“They are yet to make any concessions regarding the fundamental causes of the agitation in the first place”
“Citizens of the world have a right to express their displeasure with their governments, and most reasonable countries respond with dialogue and engagement. But in Nigeria, the story is different.
“Yet people talk about “one Nigeria.” No country will be one without inclusion, equity, and justice.
“Terror against Biafra continued instead of engaging in dialogue and making a sustained effort to address grievances, which has the opposite effect.
“You cannot claim one Nigeria while at the same time excluding segments of the country from the benefits of belonging to the same country.” He said.
IMAGE: Independent
