‘Onslaught Against Terrorism, Vital For Nigeria’s Unity And Survival-Simon Ekpa’s Conviction In Finland, A Wake Up Call’- CSOs
Nigerians and Nigeria State needs more than applauding the conviction of Simon Ekpa by Finish Court for ” inciting terrorism, participating in the activities of terrorist groups, stocking and sponsoring violent separatist movement in the South East region of the country, since 2021 till date.
Truth be told, the Nigeria State has been grandstandingly timid to the affront of unbridled, rampaging terrorism in recent time. We do not need a Finland Court to wake our slumbering State apparatus to constitutional responsibilities. The defence of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, lives and properties of citizens is the Primus Duty of the State. Ekpa’s IBOP is neither a phantom nor a ghost. It has members in Corridors of Power, members, associates, allies and sympathisers, known to all, visible to the blind and audible with their discordant rantings to the deaf.
Without fearing whose Ox is gored, the Labour Party Presidential candidate in the last general elections, Mr. Peter Obi is a notable, if not notorious supporter, who regurgitate the odious propaganda of Ekpa to foul Nigeria State. These elements within the Nigerian space should not be treated with kids glove as above the law! They should be thoroughly subjected to the full fangs of the Law. Definitely, Heaven shall not fall.
The Finland Court conviction is nearly a belated wake up call. Nigeria is battling with acute economic downswing, security challenges, fragile institutions overstress to the brink of disintegration, it can not afford to toy terrorist belligerences!
For emphasis, it imperative to note that the Finland Court sentencef self-acclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa to six years imprisonment for terrorism offences, tax fraud !
The Päijät-Häme District Court found Ekpa guilty of inciting a public crime committed with terrorist intent and participating in the activities of a terrorist group, while also convicting him of aggravated tax fraud and violating the provisions of the Attorneys Act.
The District Court found that Ekpa sought to promote the independence of the Biafra region in South Eastern Nigeria by illegal means between August 2021 and November 2024. According to the District Court, he used social media to gain a politically influential position.
The movement also established armed groups, which the district court deemed terrorist groups. According to the verdict, Ekpa supplied the groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his network of contacts. He was also found to have urged and enticed followers of his X account to commit crimes in Nigeria.
This verdict is extremely alarming in numerous dimensions and implications for the Nigerian State. We must forget that, apart from obvious disruption of economic activities, terrorism has had devastating consequences on hapless citizens, callous butchering of soldiers, security operatives on lawful assignments and wanton destruction of properties, and services.
It is high time for decisive action.
Gbenga Soloki Campaign Against Injustice and Domestic Violence.( CAIDOV )
Omotaje Olawale Saint WorkBond International Network ( WIN )
Ayo Ogundele All Workers Convergence
Co-Organisations:
Lagos State Liberation Congress
Centre for human and Socio-economy rights
Yoruba Youth Assembly
Centre for Human Rights Advocacy,
Youth Initiative Agenda for Democratic Process,
Southwest People
Parliamentary Agenda,
Peace Initiative For Better Nigeria,
Youth League Academy
