Biafran Republic Government in-Exile, led by Simon Ekpa, has warned regional leaders not to engage in negotiations with Nigeria for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s release and Biafra’s declaration.
Simon Ekpa, known as the Prime Minister of BRGIE, conveyed this message in a statement released on Sunday through his official X handle.
This warning comes amidst a recent surge in support from South-East governors, lawmakers, and groups, including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, advocating for Kanu’s release as a solution to regional unrest.
He asserted that the BRGIE is the only legitimate entity authorized to negotiate Kanu’s release and the Biafra declaration.
He criticized the actions of those he described as “selfish politicians and traditional rulers,” accusing them of undermining the Biafra liberation movement by seeking negotiations with Nigeria.
“Those selfish politicians and traditional rulers who are now jumping up and shouting negotiation with Nigeria after sabotaging the Biafra liberation are warned never to speak again,” Ekpa stated.
“The warning will not come again; none of you have the mandate to speak for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu or Biafrans. We will not allow anyone to negotiate anything from tonight.”
Ekpa emphasized that the BRGIE remains the sole legitimate body for these negotiations. “Those selfish individuals now taking center stage and shouting negotiations should stay away. Biafrans are not joking,” he added.
This development follows a recent meeting of Southeast governors in Enugu State, where they resolved to approach President Bola Tinubu to secure Kanu’s release.
Governor Hope Uzodinma, after the meeting on July 3, 2024, articulated this collective decision in a communique.
Earlier in May, Ekpa had also called on the Nigerian government to involve Finland in mediating the conflict in the region.