SaharaReporters reported a few days ago how the Finland-based Simon Ekpa, who is a self-professed disciple of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu declared what he called full activation of Biafra Government In Exile (BGIE).
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has dissociated itself from the Biafra Government in Exile said to have been set up by the group outside Nigeria.
SaharaReporters reported a few days ago how the Finland-based Simon Ekpa, who is a self-professed disciple of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu declared what he called full activation of Biafra Government In Exile (BGIE).
Ekpa had said that all the activities of Biafran supporters and agitators were to make sure that “Biafra will totally be free from Nigeria in 2023 and forever,” adding that Biafra’s final breakaway from the Nigerian government is drawing closer and therefore “we also wish to officially announce an alliance and activation of Biafra Government In Exile (BGIE) with the IPOB-Autopilot.”
However, reacting to the declaration, IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, in a statement on Sunday described the purported government as a scam and a trick intended to deceive the general public.
Powerful explained that IPOB has legitimate, well-established institutions and a well-structured administrative hierarchy that oversees the day-to-day running of Biafra affairs, adding that all diplomatic missions and countries of the world know about Biafra agitation and they communicate with IPOB.
According to the statement, Powerful said, “We the global movement and noble family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) under Mazi Nnamdi KANU wish to reiterate once again to Biafrans, friends of Biafra and lovers of freedom across the globe that IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Okwuchukwu Kanu has not set up any Government In Exile (GIE). We, therefore, dissociate ourselves completely from the purported Government in Exile.
“IPOB has legitimate and well-established institutions and a well-structured administrative hierarchy that oversees the day-to-day running of Biafra affairs. Already, all Diplomatic Missions and countries of the world know about Biafra agitation and they communicate with IPOB as the responsible authority that oversees the affairs of the Biafran people be it Nationally or Internationally.
“IPOB has international contacts and connections not through any worthless Government In Exile but through our established Institutions and Structures. So, anybody or group peddling or claiming to have set up a Government In Exile has again embarked on a jamboree like those who came before them claiming to have formed a government in Exile at one point in time. They simply do not deserve to be given any attention because this is the avenue that the Nigerian government wants us to water down our agitation for total freedom.”
Powerful stated that “Some dissidents expelled from IPOB including a former Deputy to our Leader had once suggested this Government In Exile to our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, but he did not buy into it knowing fully how needless it is at this stage of our struggle.
“But unfortunately, now that our Leader is in detention, these same elements saw it as an opportunity to actualise their selfish ambition by quickly claiming to have set up the non-existent GIE. We know that their ultimate aim is to use it to sell the Biafra struggle to our enemies but they have failed woefully.
“We knew that many Infiltrators sponsored by some unfortunate politicians are fighting strongly to sell Biafra freedom through their main Infiltrator hiding in Finland. He has run out of gimmicks to stay afloat, hence, he decided to resort to the latest claims of purported GIE gimmick to deceive his gullible followers.
“Therefore, everybody should ignore and disregard the purported GIE because the motive is ulterior and sinister. Biafra has established and recognised channels through which it operates and communicates with world leaders and governments without needing or having to call that channel a government in exile.
“People should stop supporting and making a caricature of the Biafra restoration project by announcing Biafra Government In Exile any time they want to defraud Biafrans or sabotage our course for freedom.
“We urge governments across the world to disregard and ignore these fraudsters claiming they are forming the Biafra Government In Exile. This new wind of setting up another Biafra government in exile is a distraction that should not be given any serious thought or attention as it will soon fizzle out like others before it but it is important that Biafrans and the International community are properly informed thus this need to set the facts straight.”