Crime, Politics

Why South East Governors Lack Legitimacy To Negotiate For Kanu’s Release – Simon Ekpa

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 8th, 2024.

Why South East Governors Lack Legitimacy To Negotiate For Kanu’s Release – Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, leading the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), has urged South-East governors and regional leaders to refrain from negotiating with Nigeria for Biafra’s declaration and the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement shared on his official X handle on Sunday, Ekpa, known as the Prime Minister of BRGIE, emphasized that only his organization has the legitimate authority to advocate for Kanu’s release and Biafra’s declaration. This stance comes amidst recent support from South-East governors, lawmakers, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi for Kanu’s release as a means to achieve peace in the region.

Ekpa accused these regional leaders of lacking legitimacy and warned them against negotiating, claiming that such actions sabotage Biafra’s liberation efforts. He stated, “Selfish politicians and traditional rulers who have previously undermined the Biafra liberation should not speak on this matter. None of you have the mandate to represent Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or Biafrans. From tonight, we will not allow anyone to negotiate on behalf of Biafra.”

The call for Kanu’s release gained media attention recently after a meeting of Southeast governors in Enugu State. On July 3, 2024, Governor Hope Uzodinma announced that the governors had resolved to meet with President Bola Tinubu to discuss securing Kanu’s release.

Earlier in May, Ekpa had urged the Nigerian government to seek mediation from Finland to resolve the conflict in the region.