The Nigerian Senate has taken steps to collaborate with the Finnish government to extradite Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ekpa has been instrumental in declaring sit-at-home protests in the South-East region of Nigeria every Monday, leading to disruptions and violence.
Senator Osita Izunaso from Imo West had proposed a motion in the Senate to address the enforcement of the sit-at-home order by unknown gunmen and also to seek the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. However, the motion was rejected as it was considered against the Senate’s standing rule to interfere in a matter before the court.
The motion expressed concern about the economic and educational impact of the sit-at-home protests and condemned the activities of Simon Ekpa. It urged the Federal Government to collaborate with Finland to extradite Ekpa for prosecution and to use a political solution approach in handling Nnamdi Kanu’s case.
Some senators advocated for using bail to bargain for peace in Kanu’s case, while others emphasized the need for the South-East governors to do more to end the sit-at-home protests in the region. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, criticized the state governments for not taking sufficient action to address the issue.
The situation surrounding Simon Ekpa and the sit-at-home protests remains a matter of concern and has drawn the attention of both Nigerian and international authorities.
