The President of Njiko Igbo Forum, a global think tank of eminent Igbos, Rev. Dr. Okechukwu C. Obioha, has reacted to the designation of Nigeria-Finnish separatist Simon Ekpa as a “terrorism financier,” by the Nigerian government.
The designation was contained in a document released by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC), chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, on Thursday, March 6.
Rev. Obioha distanced himself and his group from the activities of Simon Ekpa in the South-East, calling them “inimical” and damaging to the region’s stability. He condemned the illegal sit-at-home orders reportedly enforced by Simon Ekpa’s loyalists, which even the major separatist group – the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) – also oppose.
“There are better ways to agitate,” Obioha stated. “Taking up arms and shutting down economic activities only deepens the hardship in the region.” While he stopped short of labeling Ekpa a terrorist, he noted that Ekpa’s actions have worsened tensions in the South-East.
Federal Government’s Role in Igbo Agitation
Rev. Obioha berated the federal government for neglecting the concerns of the Igbo people. He accused the government of unfair treatment, stating that Igbo complaints, particularly regarding marginalization, have been ignored.
“Why has the government never invited the agitators for dialogue?” he asked. “Instead of addressing the root causes, they continue to treat the South-East unfairly.”
Obioha called for a national reckoning, insisting that Nigeria must acknowledge historical injustices against the Igbos. “Other ethnic groups must apologize to the Igbos for years of subjugation,” he said. He also echoed the rising call for reparations and a comprehensive development plan for the region.
Economic and Infrastructure Challenges
The Njiko Igbo President painted a grim picture of economic marginalization as the driving factor behind agitations in the South-East. “How can the South-East, a major trading hub, have only one international airport, and it serves only Ethiopian Airlines? Lufthansa and other airlines should be encouraged to fly into the region,” he demanded.
He also lamented the lack of fully functional seaports in Calabar or Port Harcourt, describing it as “intentional“. “The Igbos are a mercantile people. Denying them proper infrastructure is sabotage.
Obioha alleged that the 2025 federal budget made no provision for railway development in the region. He claimed that old steel tracks were removed from the region under the pretense they would be replaced, but nothing has been done so far. “Even the gas pipeline design deliberately bypassed the South-East,” he added.
Nigeria’s Future Hinges on Igbo Inclusion
Reflecting on the overall situation, Obioha declared that Nigeria’s search for greatness will remain elusive until it reincorporates the Igbos as equal stakeholders in the “project Nigeria.”
“The Igbos are the ones who truly embody the Nigerian spirit, settling in every part of the country and contributing to its development,” he said.
“If Nigeria continues to hate the Igbos, God will continue to hate Nigeria,” he philosophized. “That’s a kind of nemesis. That’s why the country is in crisis.”
Obioha joined other leaders in demanding the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and other detained agitators, insisting that their imprisonment only fuels further resentment. “The so-called Igbo Coup of 1966 has been debunked, even by those who were there, including General Ibrahim Babangida. It’s time to right the wrongs of history.”
“If one part of the body is sick, the whole body suffers. Nigeria must heal by embracing all its parts, including the South-East,” the respected leader concluded.
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