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In what can be described as salt added to the wound, the Biafra Government (BRGIE) has threatened to close down all Nigerian government houses and offices within the so-called ‘Biafra territory’ (Southeast) for a month. It has demanded the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafran political prisoners.
The Eastern Updates, Monday, gotten its hands on a memo, penned by Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based figure who claims to be the prime minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), a declaration that’s set to spark intense debate.
As part of its negotiating stance, the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE) has tabled two additional demands, alongside the freeing of the IPOB leader, which could potentially lead to a softening of their lockdown plans, introducing new variables into the equation. These includes:
- Withdrawal of all Nigeria terrorists forces from the 40 United States of Biafra.
- Accept the Biafra Self Referendum, which has recorded over 49million votes.
- Release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafra political prisoners
This escalation is likely to compound the problems associated with the Monday Sit-at-home order, potentially plunging the region into even deeper turmoil and disruption, as the situation continues to spiral.
Read also: IgboMustGo: IPOB Seeks Referendum For Igbo Independence
The Igbo community has weighed in on the latest development, with opinions sharply divided. While some welcomed the move, others vehemently opposed it. Proponents argued that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s prolonged detention by the DSS without trial was a gross injustice, warranting swift action.
New information has come to light regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s extradition from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021, with Interpol recently disavowing any role in his arrest and rendition. This denial contradicts initial reports and has significant implications for our understanding of the events surrounding Kanu’s return to Nigeria.
Still on opinion from citizens, opponents of the lockdown argue that it would be economically disastrous for the South-East, causing a sharp decline in economic activity, and inflicting undue hardship on the region’s residents, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
The letter hinted at a more severe escalation, stating that if the 1-month shutdown of Nigerian offices proves ineffective, the group would resort to locking down the offices indefinitely, implying a long-term disruption with more serious consequences.
The letter, however, clarified that the proposed lockdown would exempt essential services, including traders, markets, businesses, banks, and hospitals, ensuring that critical economic and healthcare activities continue uninterrupted.
