Igbo Leaders Assert Simon Ekpa’s Arrest as Key to Addressing South-East Insecurity

Ekpa Arrest is not Insecurity Solution

They emphasized that jailing Simon Ekpa would have little impact unless Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of IPOB, is released.

Strategies to Tackle Insecurity in the South-East: Voices from Stakeholders

Calls to Release Nnamdi Kanu and Prosecute Simon Ekpa

Stakeholders in the South-East region have emphasized that addressing insecurity requires immediate actions, including the release of Nnamdi Kanu and the extradition of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria for prosecution. They accuse Ekpa of masterminding killings and fostering unrest in the region through incendiary rhetoric and actions.

Businessman Lauds Ekpa’s Arrest

Awka-based businessman, Mr. Kingsley Okanume, expressed relief following the arrest of Simon Ekpa. He blamed Ekpa for escalating insecurity in the South-East, citing his incitements as the root cause of violence and instability in the region.

Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Speaks Out at Senator Ubah’s Burial

During the burial of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah in Nnewi, Catholic Bishop Rt. Rev. Jonas Benson Okoye criticized Simon Ekpa, referring to him as a “rascal.” The bishop called on Finland to maintain its firm stance on Ekpa, urging continued accountability for his actions.

Bishop Okoye questioned the rationale behind Ekpa enforcing sit-at-home orders across Igbo land while his own village in Ebonyi State reportedly disregards them.

Urging the Protection of Lives and Property

The bishop acknowledged the immense pressure on Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo to ensure safety and security in the state. He called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other senators present at the event to advocate for stronger federal interventions to restore peace in the region.

The Contradictions of Biafra Agitation

Bishop Okoye also decried the methods of those agitating for Biafra, criticizing the violence, kidnappings, and economic sabotage occurring under the guise of the movement. “How can you claim to want a Biafra Republic while destroying Igboland’s economy and harming your people?” he asked.

Support for Finland’s Efforts

The bishop praised Finland’s efforts to hold Simon Ekpa accountable, urging continued global cooperation to address the activities fueling insecurity in the South-East.

A Call for Unity and Lasting Peace

With growing support for extraditing Simon Ekpa and fostering dialogue through strategic political actions, stakeholders hope to restore stability in the South-East and rebuild its economy. The collective demand is clear: protect lives, prosecute instigators, and end the cycle of violence plaguing the region.

Ekpa Arrest is not Insecurity Solution

Bishop Appeals to Senators: Support Needed for Governor’s Efforts to Secure Lives and Property

A heartfelt plea has been made to senators to recognize and support the relentless efforts of the governor in safeguarding lives and property in the region. Speaking passionately, a key figure emphasized the immense pressure the governor has faced while striving to uphold security and protect the well-being of the people.

“Let us acknowledge the challenges and lend our collective support to ensure these efforts are not in vain,” the appeal concluded.

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Ekpa Arrest is not Insecurity Solution

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Ekpa Arrest is not Insecurity Solution

Simon Ekpa vs. Nnamdi Kanu: Divided Views on Addressing South-East Insecurity

Simon Ekpa Accused of Fueling Violence in Igboland

Nze Bartholomew Akaolisa has criticized Simon Ekpa for introducing violence and chaos into the South-East. Speaking on the issue, Akaolisa highlighted the stark contrast between Nnamdi Kanu’s establishment of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to protect Igbos from alleged attacks by Fulani herdsmen and Ekpa’s alleged deployment of unknown gunmen, whose mission remains unclear.

“Simon Ekpa should be extradited to Nigeria and paraded across major towns in the South-East so people can see the face of the man behind years of mayhem,” Akaolisa said. He called for Ekpa’s prosecution, urging authorities to ensure he faces the full weight of the law for his alleged actions.

Arrest of Simon Ekpa Not the Ultimate Solution, Says Abia Monarch

HRM Eze Philip Ajomiwe, former Chairman of the Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council in Abia State, has expressed a differing opinion. The royal father argued that Simon Ekpa’s arrest might not bring an end to the insecurity plaguing the South-East. Instead, he warned it could escalate tensions stemming from the extraordinary rendition and continued detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.

Speaking exclusively to Vanguard, Eze Ajomiwe emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to resolving insecurity. “While Ekpa’s actions warrant accountability, his arrest alone will not address the deep-seated issues fueling the unrest in the region,” he noted.

A Call for Dialogue and Justice

As the South-East grapples with persistent insecurity, voices within the region are divided on how to restore peace. While some advocate for Simon Ekpa’s prosecution, others warn against over-reliance on arrests as a solution.

The debate underscores the complexity of the region’s challenges and the urgent need for political, social, and community-driven efforts to address the root causes of unrest.

Unlocking the Path to Peace in the South-East: Key Stakeholder Views on Insecurity and Solutions

Release of Nnamdi Kanu Seen as Key to Resolving South-East Insecurity

The growing tension and insecurity in the South-East have sparked calls for immediate solutions, with many stakeholders emphasizing that the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, rather than further arrests of Biafran agitators, is the way forward. Advocates argue that releasing Kanu could pave the way for dialogue and lasting peace, which are critical to defusing the unrest in the region.

RULAAC Urges Dialogue and Comprehensive Solutions for South-East Challenges

Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), weighed in on the issue, stating that Simon Ekpa’s arrest has highlighted the urgent need to address the root causes of insecurity in the South-East. In a statement, Nwanguma called for a holistic approach to the region’s socio-political challenges, which he believes fuel the unrest.

RULAAC stressed that to achieve sustainable peace and security, the government must focus on the broader socio-economic issues like poverty, unemployment, and the lack of infrastructure. Without such a comprehensive strategy, the cycle of violence and the rise of new separatist movements may persist, making it crucial for authorities to take swift and inclusive action.

Government’s Renewed Effort to End Insecurity in the South-East

The Federal Government has pledged its commitment to ending the long-standing insecurity in the South-East, with Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru offering a renewed assurance during a recent visit to Enugu State. Speaking to military officers, Badaru emphasized the government’s determination under President Tinubu’s leadership to intensify efforts against all forms of insecurity.

Badaru pointed out that a secure environment is essential for fostering business growth and promoting peace. He also acknowledged that the government’s commitment to tackling insecurity extends beyond the South-East region and is a national priority. In his tour, Badaru visited Imo State, where he met with Governor Hope Uzodimma, thanking him for his support of military operations in the state.

A Unified Approach to Lasting Peace and Stability

As the South-East continues to struggle with instability, the calls for a unified strategy to address both the immediate security challenges and the long-term socio-political issues are growing louder. Whether through the release of key figures like Nnamdi Kanu, implementing poverty-reduction programs, or enhancing military operations, stakeholders agree that a holistic approach is necessary to secure lasting peace in the region.