By Aluta News
Feb. 15, 2023
FG INVITES FINNISH AMBASSADOR OVER THREAT BY A MEMBER OF THE OUTLAWED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF BIAFRA, (IPOB) TO BAR ELECTION IN THE SOUTH EAST:
The Federal Government of Nigeria has called on the Finnish Government to take drastic action against the activities of a Nigerian Mr. Simon Ekpa who lives in Finland but sent inciteful messages back home to instigate violence activities in part of the country with the sole aim of desrupting the conduct of this year’s general election.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Zubairu Dada made appeal when he invite in his office the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen
He expressed displeasure over the orders given by Simon Ekpa to his teeming followers who consequently embarked on killings, maiming, burning and other destructive activities.
The Minister said Ekpa’s action is fast becoming a threat to the forthcoming election, and that the Federal Government would not take it lightly if nothing drastic is not done to stop him.
” The Ekpa-led faction of the outlawed Indigenous People’s of Biafra (IPOB) had reportedly declared that elections will not be allowed to hold in the South-East, and had declared the period of the elections as sit-at-home”. Ambassador Dada stated.
According to the Minister , Simon Ekpa is living in the comfort of his home in Finland and dishing out dangerous orders to his followers not to allow elections to hold which is threatening the peace of the south-eastern Nigeria in particular and the peaceful conduct of the election in general.
“We’ve had some time to ensure that we arrest this situation but it appears the situation is getting out of hand. And we’re saying enough is enough. The Ministry added.
While responding, the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria Leena Pylvanainen said they are watching to see how this fits into the legal framework of Finland, adding that the personality in question is a double citizen and there is a need to take his rights into consideration.
She said it has been 60 years of excellent relationship and cooperation between Nigeria and Finland they can not trade such for anything as the issue is such a serious concern to Finland and efforts are ongoing to address it.
Ibrahim Aliyu
SA Media HMOS
15-02-23