Biafra Leader Simon Ekpa Alleges Nigerian Government’s Continuous Rights Violation
Lagos, Nigeria – October 25, 2024: Simon Ekpa, leader of the Biafra Government in Exile, has accused the Nigerian government of persistently violating the rights of the Igbo people despite their loyalty to the country ¹. Ekpa urged Igbos holding government positions to recognize that their fundamental human rights have been consistently disregarded.
“The establishment of Nigeria by the British has only led to the continuous violation of our basic human rights,” Ekpa stated. “Joining forces with fellow Biafrans to exercise self-determination is not only a moral obligation but also a fight for self-preservation.”
Ekpa’s declaration comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Bianca Ojukwu, wife of late Biafran leader Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, to his cabinet. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe criticized the move, labeling it “Renewed Shege” on the Igbos by the Tinubu administration.
The Biafra movement has a complex history, dating back to 1967 when Igbo military officer Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu declared independence from Nigeria ¹. The resulting civil war lasted until 1970, claiming around two million Biafran lives.
Today, Igbo nationalism remains a potent force, with various groups advocating for Biafra’s revival. Ekpa’s Biafra Government in Exile has scheduled a Declaration of Restoration of Independence from November 29 to December 3, 2024, in Finland, claiming over 50 million Igbos have legally voted for the Biafra Referendum.
