“RELEASE MAZI NNAMDI KANU WITHOUT CONDITIONS” – SIMON EKPA URGES BUHARI AND MALAMI.
Simon Ekpa, a renowned advocate for Biafra’s independence and a prominent separatist figure, has made a passionate plea to General Muhammadu Buhari, the outgoing President of Nigeria, and Abubakar Malami, the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the esteemed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
In a statement issued on Friday, Ekpa, who resides in Finland and serves as the self-appointed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), voiced his concerns and urged the Nigerian government to honor numerous court orders that have demanded the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“We hereby officially request the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, express our establishment of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, and call for a peaceful and non-violent referendum to facilitate Biafra’s separation from Nigeria,” Ekpa conveyed in his statement.
Citing the United Nations Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, Ekpa highlighted the indictment of Nigeria’s Federal Government for the arbitrary arrest, unlawful rendition, torture, and prolonged detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, without due process. The council had unequivocally ordered the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally and provide him with appropriate compensation for the violation of his fundamental human rights. This directive was issued in a Vanguard News report dated May 29, 2022, giving the government a six-month period to comply. However, the deadline has expired, and Nnamdi Kanu remains unjustly detained.
Ekpa further revealed that when Igbo Elders, led by Hon. Mbazulike Amechi, approached President Buhari to intercede and secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the President insisted that justice must take its course and that Kanu should face trial in a court of law. To their astonishment, Nnamdi Kanu underwent a fair trial in a court with proper jurisdiction, specifically in appeal number CA/ABJ/CR/625/2022. On October 13, 2022, the court delivered its judgment, absolving Kanu of all charges brought against him, thereby confirming his innocence. Despite this legal vindication, the Nigerian government continues to hold him captive unlawfully.
“We must bring to your attention that your intention to stifle the Biafra Liberation has proven futile, as the movement has gained tremendous global momentum and is now being earnestly discussed at the highest echelons as the only viable solution for sustainable peace,” Ekpa emphasized.
It is evident that Simon Ekpa’s passionate plea echoes the sentiments of many who believe in the principles of justice, human rights, and the pursuit of self-determination for the people of Biafra. As the world watches, the call for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s unconditional release grows louder, underscoring the importance of upholding the rule of law and respecting the fundamental rights of individuals in the pursuit of peace and unity.
“In Defiance of the Rule of Law: Is Nigeria Becoming a Lawless Nation?” – Retired Judge Oludotun Adefope-Okogie Raises Concerns.
The refusal to comply with court orders raises serious questions about the state of law and order in Nigeria. Retired Judge Oludotun Adefope-Okogie, one of the judges involved in the verdict that declared Mazi Nnamdi Kanu innocent, has spoken out, calling on the courts to hold the Executive accountable for their acts of executive lawlessness. Adefope-Okogie expressed his concerns, reminding the presidency and the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that their actions in unlawfully detaining Nnamdi Kanu go against the principles of justice and expose the country to international scrutiny.
The present administration’s failures have left Nigerians disillusioned, with injustice, inequality, insecurity, lawlessness, and religious and tribal biases becoming commonplace. The level of polarization witnessed in Nigeria during this administration is unprecedented in the nation’s history. The constant injustices and structural imbalances have driven Biafra to pursue its exit from Nigeria. The Federal Government’s actions have demonstrated to Biafrans that they are neither safe, protected, nor equal stakeholders in the Nigerian project.
It is crucial to note that the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights guarantees every citizen in any African country the right to express their desire to no longer remain in that country. Therefore, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s call for a referendum and the peaceful exit of Biafra from Nigeria is a fundamental human right, not a call for war or hostility. So, why does the presidency and the Attorney General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria persist in holding Nnamdi Kanu captive and subjecting Biafrans to violence for expressing their desire for self-determination? The amalgamation of the Southern and Northern protectorates by the British in 1914 was intended to last for 100 years, as stated in the amalgamation document. It explicitly mentioned that after 100 years, any region, tribe, or ethnic group uncomfortable with Nigeria could request to exit. This historical context raises the question of why the government is fighting against the Biafrans and resorting to acts of terror in Biafra Land.
However, it is clear that their efforts will not deter us. The unlawful detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has become a costly endeavor for those responsible. The determination and resilience of the Biafran people have made it more burdensome for the government to continue holding him captive unlawfully. The voices calling for justice, human rights, and the right to self-determination grow louder, demanding accountability and adherence to the rule of law. Nigeria’s reputation on the international stage hangs in the balance as the world watches closely.
“Biafra Republic Government in Exile Emerges, Seeking Freedom for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Biafra’s Peaceful Exit”
In a formal announcement, we declare the establishment of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) by the Indigenous People of Biafra. This government body will assume political and administrative responsibilities for the Biafra nation while operating from outside its territorial borders. The BRGIE will engage in diplomatic relations, negotiations, and agreements with other nations and interest organizations worldwide on behalf of the Biafran people. We request your immediate attention to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from unjust captivity and facilitate a peaceful referendum for Biafra’s independence from Nigeria.
On May 29, 2023, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, alongside its cabinet, will issue a vote of no confidence against all corrupt officials who have been elected or selected from Biafra Land. We extend an invitation for you to witness this historic event, which will be broadcasted live on various platforms.
The impact of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile is resonating globally, and it is only a matter of time before the world welcomes Biafra as a new nation committed to progress. Nigeria’s egregious human rights violations, victimization of the innocent, insecurity, and disregard for progressive civilization have drawn attention. Consequently, the United States of America is poised to declare Nigeria a Protected Territory Status, a clear indictment of these actions.
It is disheartening to note that Nigeria, in an unjustifiable act, dispatched so-called “unknown gunmen” to attack the convoy of American Consulate staff in Biafra land. This incident highlights the growing urgency for change and the dire need for a peaceful resolution.
The Biafra Republic Government in Exile wishes to remind the Nigerian presidency and the attorney general of the federation that power is transient, and life continues beyond temporary political positions. It is during this time that we implore you to unconditionally release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and facilitate a referendum for Biafra’s peaceful secession from Nigeria.
In a separate development, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Amir Avivi, an Israeli military general and founder of the IDSF, expressed support by endorsing a comment suggesting a referendum for Biafra.
The emergence of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile marks a significant step towards realizing the aspirations of the Biafran people. As the international community takes notice, we strive for justice, peace, and the recognition of our right to self-determination…
