Extradition: Ekpa dares DHQ, invites Nigerian officials to Biafra convention in Finland
The Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, has reacted to the latest move by the Federal Government to facilitate his extradition.The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Tuesday, announced that the Nigerian Government is currently engaging the Finnish Government, through the European Union (EU), to extradite Ekpa.
The Director of Defence, Media Operations, DHQ, Major General Edward Buba, spoke in response to Ekpa’s announcement of the December 2 date for the map presentation and official declaration of the Biafra Republic.
Ekpa, a self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), had announced that the organisation will unveil the map of the “40 United States of Biafra” and issue a declaration on December 2, 2024.
He also threatened that the South-East would embark on a month-long lockdown of government offices in the region if Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is not released.
While assuring that military operations against IPOB and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) will be sustained, Buba said that the Federal Government will deploy diplomatic channels to get Ekpa from Finland.
“The Federal Government would respond appropriately to the Finnish Government through the EU. On the part of the military, troops would sustain operations against IPOB / ESN,” he said.
Reacting in a statement, yesterday, Ekpa urged the Nigerian Government officials to participate in the upcoming Biafra Convention in Finland. According to him, participating in the convention would allow the Nigerian officials to engage him in a debate regarding his move for Biafra liberation. He stressed that the constant call on the EU and Finland to take action over his extradition confirms the legitimacy of the Biafra government in exile.
“We are inviting them as Nigeria’s representatives and observers; the government of Biafra will recognise their presence in Finland, and an opportunity to engage Ekpa on the podium for a debate on Nigeria.
“We are inviting Major General Buba to the convention. A special accreditation card has already been approved for him.
“The constant call by the Nigerian Government on the EU and Finland to take action against me only confirms the legitimacy and potency of the Biafra government in exile, and the Biafra de facto government in the homeland. We will bring Biafra from exile,” Ekpa stated.
The pro-Biafra agitator further extended an invitation to the Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, to the proposed Biafra convention, which, he said, will be held in Lahti, Finland, from November 29 to December 3, 2024.(Guardian)