Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Biafran activist, on Friday, revealed on Twitter that the Nigerian government had selected Bianca Ojukwu, a newly appointed minister, to initiate dialogue with him regarding Biafran agitation.
According to Ekpa, however, Ojukwu declined the government’s request to act as a mediator in talks aimed at addressing the grievances of separatist groups in southeastern Nigeria.
Ekpa stated that he had been informed of the government’s efforts to reach out through Ojukwu, who is also the widow of the late Odumegwu Ojukwu, a key figure in the Biafran independence movement during Nigeria’s civil war.
Ojukwu’s appointment as a minister by President Bola Tinubu’s administration had been widely noted, given her historical and symbolic connection to the Biafran cause.
Ekpa’s disclosure, however, indicates that Ojukwu opted not to engage, citing reasons yet to be fully disclosed by either party.
The Finnish-based separatist leader, known for his outspoken support for Biafran independence and frequent criticism of the Nigerian government, expressed concern about the dialogue remarking that the only thing the Biafran agitation wants is for the federal government of Nigeria to grant their cessation request.
The revelation has sparked a range of reactions on social media, with some seeing it as a missed opportunity for dialogue while others praised Ojukwu for refusing to get involved.
Analysts have speculated that the government’s choice of Ojukwu as an intermediary reflects an attempt to establish credibility in negotiations, but her refusal may highlight the challenges the administration faces in seeking peaceful solutions to separatist demands.
Neither Ojukwu nor the Nigerian government has issued an official statement in response to Ekpa’s comments, leaving many wondering about the next steps in the ongoing Biafran dialogue.
Below is the statement by Simon Ekpa on Twitter:
“Breaking. The Nigeria terrorist state wanted to nominate Bianca Ojukwu to engage me in dialogue, but she turned it down.
“Our demands are public, so there is no need trying to reach Simon Ekpa.
“Our dialogue starts when you withdraw all the terrorists from the Biafra 40 states.
“Our dialogue starts the moment you release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and return all the Biafrans you are detaining in Northern Nigeria.
“Our dialogue starts when you put your pride aside, accept our self-referendum. Finally, approach Finland to be the mediator.”
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