Enugu Governor Peter Mbah denounces Simon Ekpa, urging the South East to reject his sit-at-home orders. Mbah calls Ekpa a “common criminal” and demands his repatriation to Nigeria for his actions.
Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has strongly criticized Biafra activist Simon Ekpa, labeling him a “murderer, scammer, and common criminal” who exploits the emotions and struggles of the Igbo people for personal gain. Mbah urged the South East region to disregard Ekpa’s threats and sit-at-home orders, emphasizing the need to stand against such coercive tactics.
Speaking during a visit from the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Mbah expressed his frustration over Ekpa’s continued residence in Finland, despite the harm his directives cause in Nigeria. The governor highlighted the significance of security in his administration’s efforts to end illegal sit-at-home orders enforced by non-state actors, which have held the people psychologically and economically hostage.
Mbah stated, “As you may also have noticed recently, they have continued to make attempts, particularly, that megalomaniac, who ironically resides with his family peacefully in Finland, a country where the rule of law reigns, but he encourages the rule of anarchy here and to goad some of our youths to their self-destruction.”
The governor accused Ekpa of creating a siege atmosphere to exploit and extort the Igbo people under the guise of fighting for their interests. Mbah emphasized that Ekpa’s actions contradict the values and work ethics of the Igbo, who are known for their hard work and resilience.
“We are talking about a murderer, who just thinks about how to inflict terrorism on the people. Otherwise, how can you claim you love our people, a people that are known for hard work in our DNA and sit somewhere to dictate to us when to go to work and when not to go to work,” Mbah asserted.
Mbah reassured the people of Enugu State of their continued protection, stating that the government would not be intimidated by criminals. He urged the public to disregard Ekpa’s threats and assured them of the administration’s capability to provide security through the help of security agencies.
“So, I want to also take this opportunity to call on our people to disregard this threat. We have demonstrated our capacity to provide security for our people and we will continue to do so through the help of our security agencies. We cannot be intimidated. We cannot submit ourselves to this siege atmosphere he wants to create in the South East,” Mbah declared.
The governor called on the House of Representatives to ensure Ekpa’s repatriation to Nigeria to face justice for his alleged acts of murder and terrorism. Mbah criticized the Finnish Government for allowing Ekpa to reside peacefully while perpetuating violence in Nigeria.
“It is surprising that the Finnish Government allows this man to reside peacefully in their country and then be perpetrating terrorism in Nigeria. And I think this is something your Committee may have to wade into and see how this guy can be repatriated and then be brought to justice,” Mbah urged.
Mbah assured the House Committee of his administration’s readiness to support the completion of the DSS Training Institute, emphasizing that security is too crucial to be left entirely to any single tier of government.
In response, Hon. Ahmed Satomi, Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, praised Governor Mbah for his exemplary efforts in security and governance, highlighting the importance of the governor’s support in realizing the DSS Institute.
As the South East grapples with security challenges, Mbah’s firm stance against Ekpa and his assurance of continued protection reflect his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the region’s stability and prosperity.
