Despite the arrest of Controversial pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities, the people of the Southeast region of Nigeria still go on with the Sit-at-home on Mondays. In this special report, Africa Health Report’s Southwest correspondent, Korede Abdullah, examines the implications of Simon Ekpa’s arrest, questioning whether his extradition will finally bring an end to the sit-at-home order and violence in the southeast.
Civil Disobedience
In a striking display of civil disobedience, residents of Southeast Nigeria have continued to observe a sit-at-home protest on Monday despite the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister-in-exile in faraway Finland
The sit-at-home is a movement that has gained traction in response to the ongoing agitation for the secession of Biafra.
The initiative, widely supported by various groups and individuals, aims to amplify calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who has been detained by the Nigerian government for more than three years.
The streets of major cities in the region, including Enugu, Aba, and Onitsha, were largely deserted, with businesses and public transport services coming to a halt.
Marketplaces that usually buzz with activity on Mondays were eerily quiet, as many residents chose to stay indoors rather than confront potential violence from security forces or clashes with opposing groups.
Arrest of Simon Ekpa
Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the Biafran agitation, was arrested in Finland on November 21, along with four others, on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, as reported by local publication Yle, while the other suspects were apprehended for allegedly financing terrorist activities, according to the Finnish Central Criminal Police.
IPOB, which seeks the independence of Biafra, has called for the sit-at-home as a peaceful means of demonstrating discontent with the current political climate and the perceived marginalization of the Southeast by the federal government.
The protests are not without controversy, as the sit-at-home orders have been met with mixed reactions. While many individuals actively participate, some businesses have expressed grievances, facing significant financial losses.
Gun Battle Erupts in Abia
A fierce gun battle broke out on Monday, November 25, in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, Abia State. It was the third day of Ekpa’s arrest.
The clash occurred between personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen.
Africa Health Report gathered that over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived at the village around 6 a.m., targeting suspected gunmen camped near a river bordering Abia and Imo State.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that soldiers took control of key junctions leading in and out of the area, with gunfire starting early in the morning.
Many villagers fled their homes for safety as the intense exchange of gunfire continued in nearby bushes. Although there were no reported casualties, the clash highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region.
The incident occurred just days after Abia State Governor Alex Otti reiterated his administration’s commitment to combating insecurity.
Sit-At-Home Directive’s Deadly Toll
The sit-at-home directive in the South East has exacted a heavy price from residents, resulting in significant loss of lives and property. Since its inception, numerous innocent citizens, including both ordinary people and prominent figures, have fallen victim to brutal killings.
These senseless murders have left families without their loved ones, often their primary breadwinners, and have disrupted the lives of dependents left behind. The trauma caused by these events will likely leave lasting scars.
One of the most shocking incidents was the gruesome murder of Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband of the late former NAFDAC Chairman, Professor Dora Akunyili.
His face was blown off by bullets in broad daylight, with the horrific scene digitally recorded by onlookers.
This tragic event, which occurred in two years ago, was followed by the deaths of many others at the hands of ‘unknown gunmen’ enforcing the sit-at-home directive.
Nigeria Seeks Extradition of Simon Ekpa
The Defence Headquarters has commended the Finnish Central Criminal Police for the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafra agitator.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, General Edward Buba, and the Director of Defence Information, General Tukur Gusau, Ekpa’s arrest is a “key victory” in the fight against terrorism.
Ekpa was arrested in Finland for incitement to violence against civilians and public exhortation to an offence, committed with terrorist intent.
Nigeria’s Defence chief, General Chris Musa, has announced that the country is seeking Ekpa’s extradition.
However, this may not be possible, as Finland, like other European Union countries, does not extradite its citizens outside the region.
Despite this, the Nigerian government is likely to continue pursuing Ekpa’s extradition, given the significance of his arrest in the fight against terrorism.
FG Cooperates with Finnish Embassy
The Nigerian government is working closely with the Finnish embassy to facilitate the prosecution of Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Eastern Security Network.
This is in tandem with Nigeria’s defence headquarters, pushing for Ekpa’s extradition to face terrorism charges, which carry the death penalty in his case. Ekpa’s group was declared wanted by the military in March for terrorism.
As the separatist leader, Ekpa has been accused of being behind ordering lockdowns in the southeast region through his social media accounts.
His followers have allegedly enforced these lockdowns violently, targeting those who defy the sit-at-home order that takes place every Monday in the Igbo-dominated southeast.
Experts have described Nigerian government’s pursuit of Ekpa’s extradition as a significant development in the country’s efforts to address the security challenges posed by separatist groups.
Simon Ekpa’s Extradition Conundrum
The Nigerian government’s quest to extradite Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen and separatist leader, has hit a snag due to the absence of an extradition treaty between Nigeria and Finland.
According to Ekiti-based lawyer Abiodun Ajibade who spoke with our correspondent on phone, “The issue of an extradition treaty is so germane that we can’t discuss it in isolation.
“The first thing we have to consider is the issue extradition treaty between the two countries. The reason for this is that, there can be no legal basis or justification for extraditing Ekpa if there is no treaty or bilateral agreement to that effect”.
This lack of a treaty poses a significant hurdle for the Nigerian government’s efforts to bring Ekpa to justice.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for the Nigerian government. Finnish law permits the revocation of citizenship under special circumstances, such as conviction of certain crimes.
Although this is unlikely to apply to Ekpa’s case, it offers a potential avenue for the Nigerian government to explore. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Nigerian government will be able to find a way to extradite Ekpa and bring him to trial.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Ongoing Saga
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been embroiled in a tumultuous journey.
In 2021, while facing terrorism-related charges in Nigeria, Kanu jumped bail and fled to the United Kingdom.
However, his freedom was short-lived, as he was abducted in Kenya and returned to Nigeria through extraordinary rendition, a move deemed unlawful by a court.
Kanu has remained in federal custody since his rendition, despite calls for his release from regional leaders.
The UK has launched an investigation into Kanu’s ordeal but has maintained a neutral stance. Kanu’s case has sparked widespread controversy, with many questioning the legality of his arrest and detention.
As the trial continues, Kanu’s fate remains uncertain, leaving his supporters and detractors eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Kanu Orders End to Sit-At-Home
Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), last year July, wrote a letter ordering an end to the sit-at-home in the southeast region of Nigeria.
In a handwritten letter authorized to his special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu stated that anyone who continues to observe the sit-at-home order is no longer his disciple.
This declaration, dated July 24, 2023, was made after Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of the group, refused to announce the cancellation of the sit-at-home order through his media platforms.
Ekpa Gives Counter-Order
However, Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the IPOB, has countered Kanu’s letter, claiming it is fake. Ekpa has urged the people to continue with the sit-at-home until they achieve their aim of securing Kanu’s release and realizing the independence of Biafra.
The development has sparked mixed reactions, with some hailing Kanu’s decision as a step towards peace, while others have expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the letter.
The sit-at-home, which has been observed in the southeast region for some time now, has had significant economic and social impacts on the region.
Sit-At-Home Order Sparks Controversy
Local government officials in the southeast region have denounced the sit-at-home orders, urging citizens to engage in dialogue instead of disrupting economic activities.
A local government representative in Ebonyi State, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the sit-at-home order is an ineffective means of protest, depriving hardworking citizens of their daily livelihood.
As the order stretches into its third year, concerns about its sustainability grow, with analysts warning of potential economic impacts, particularly in a region already grappling with high unemployment and economic challenges.
Pro-Biafran advocates, however, remain resolute, vowing to continue pushing for accountability and justice, with local IPOB leader Boniface Chukwuemeka in Abia State emphasizing that “our voices must be heard, our rights must be recognized.”
Southeast Nigeria’s Economy in Shambles
The Southeast region of Nigeria, once a thriving economic hub, has been severely crippled by the ongoing sit-at-home order initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The order, which was sparked by the detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has resulted in a severe economic crisis for millions of citizens across the region.
According to the Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy, and Development (FENRAD), the sit-at-home order has led to an estimated loss of N8 billion weekly, affecting not only the region’s economy but also the country as a whole.
The economic disruption caused by the sit-at-home order has had far-reaching consequences, including the loss of lives and property, a decline in foreign direct investment (FDI), and a disruption to the academic calendar due to the closure of schools and universities on Mondays.
The region’s economy, once known for its entrepreneurial spirit, trade, and commerce, is now struggling to stay afloat. Economists and financial experts have warned that if the sit-at-home order continues, the region’s economy may never recover.
Dialogue and Equitable Resource Distribution Needed
Experts have said that the sit-at-home order has taken its toll and had severe economic implications for the Southeast region of Nigeria.
The order has resulted in a significant loss of income for traders, artisans, and other daily wage earners in the region.
The order has also affected the education sector, with schools and universities closed on Mondays, disrupting the academic calendar.
Call To Action
Experts suggest that to address the economic implications of the sit-at-home order, the federal government needs to engage in dialogue with IPOB leaders to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
“The government should also ensure a fair and equitable distribution of resources among the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to address the underlying issues driving the agitation.
“By taking these steps, the government can help to restore economic activity in the Southeast region and promote peace and stability.”, said Mr Tayo Oloruntola, a legal practitioner, who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday.
As the sit-at-home order continues to take its toll on the economy and daily lives of the people in the Southeast, it is clear that a lasting solution can only be achieved through dialogue and a commitment to addressing the underlying issues driving the agitation.
With the region’s economy on the brink of collapse, and the people growing increasingly frustrated, the need for a peaceful resolution has never been more urgent.
As the federal government and IPOB leaders navigate the complex web of issues surrounding the sit-at-home order, one thing is certain: the people of the Southeast deserve a better future, free from the shackles of economic hardship and political uncertainty.
Will the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a key figure behind the sit-at-home order, in Finland and his potential extradition to Nigeria mark a turning point in the region’s quest for peace? Only time will tell if this development will bring an end to the sit-at-home order and usher in a new era of calm in the southeast region.
Waking Up Region’s Economy for Nigeria’s General Good
The Southeastern region of Nigeria is remarkably an industrial zone and economic hub of Nigeria needs urgent government intervention for lasting peace to reign, so that normal life (Social and economic) will return.
The S’East region does not need further destruction of its economy. Salvaging the S’East economy should be a priority of any people- oriented government. But politicizing the factors that would guarantee enduring peace and finally kill the monstrous Sit – at – Home order in the region will serve no good to Nigeria generally.
The contribution of the Southeast region to the economy of Nigeria cannot be quantified, because, available data shows that it is humongous. That the contribution from this region cannot be quantified does not mean it should be underestimated or undermine. A federation cannot stand alone without the federating components, in Nigeria’s case, the regions or states. Orchestration of insecurity in the Southeast region of Nigeria is self-inflicted. The government should take constitutional steps to end the insecurity in the region for the economy not only bounce back, but also grow with accelerated speed.
