South East politics is shifting fast as the region decisively distances itself from Simon Ekpa, the controversial Biafra separatist recently convicted of terrorism-related crimes in Finland. Now, questions echo across the region: How did a man once rally support for a long-standing movement only to fall so far? And what role did his actions play in destabilizing the South East? Citizens and political elites alike demand answers, exposing the fragility of influence built on fear and rhetoric.
Ekpa’s Fall from Influence
Ekpa, once seen as a leading voice for Biafran self-determination, has now become a cautionary tale. Former allies, from political elites to separatist supporters, quickly abandoned him after his conviction. Uche Awon, spokesperson for Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of Abia South, stressed, “Simon Ekpa must face the consequences of his actions. His mannerisms and tactics worsened insecurity in the South East.”
Self-Proclaimed Leadership Under Fire
Ekpa’s downfall stems from his bold but reckless claims. While living in Finland, he declared himself prime minister of the so-called Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). However, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), founded by Nnamdi Kanu in 2012, rejected his moves outright. IPOB also distanced itself from Ekpa’s Biafra Liberation Army and other contraptions.
Ghost Towns Cripple the Economy
Ekpa briefly led Radio Biafra, a propaganda tool, before internal disputes removed him. He then enforced weekly sit-at-home orders that crippled five South East states. Economic activity froze, losses exceeded $4.79 billion, and small businesses collapsed, according to SBM Intelligence. Fear of violence kept residents indoors, even after IPOB officially ended the orders.
Ohaneze Ndigbo Welcomes Intervention
Meanwhile, Ohaneze Ndigbo, a leading socio-cultural group, praised the government for ending Ekpa’s reign of fear. Leaders urged followers to drop arms and embrace peace. “This conviction opens a window for lasting stability in the South East,” Awon noted. Still, analysts such as Confidence McHarry of SBM Intelligence warned that insecurity runs deeper than Ekpa. Other groups continue to exploit separatist unrest for violence.
Conviction in Finland Sets an Example
Ekpa’s conviction in Finland, which followed his November arrest, lasted nine months and covered terrorism, incitement, and tax fraud. Unlike prolonged trials in Nigeria, the Finnish judicial system acted swiftly. Yet legal experts clarified that Ekpa’s conviction cannot affect Nnamdi Kanu’s ongoing case. At the same time, South East governors are lobbying President Bola Tinubu for Kanu’s release, arguing that Ekpa’s reckless actions complicated, rather than defined, the movement.
Residents Seek Lasting Peace
For residents, relief mixes with caution. The conviction feels like a turning point, but fear lingers. Communities now hope leaders will rebuild trust, restore security, and prevent further disruption from ghost towns or paramilitary threats.
Lessons From Ekpa’s Downfall
Ultimately, Simon Ekpa’s story shows that influence built on intimidation collapses under accountability. By rejecting him, South East leaders affirm their preference for lawful, peaceful progress over paramilitary threats. Citizens now look ahead, eager to rebuild economic life and strengthen civic trust while navigating the complex legacies of separatist agitation.
