Rumbles In IPOB, As Nnamdi Kanu fires Radio Biafra Broadcaster, Ekpa
Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has relieved Mazi Simon Ekpa of his appointment as Biafra radio broadcaster over failure to follow laid down rules of operation.
In a statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group said Ekpa has refused to sign the rules of engagement and code of conduct guiding those broadcasting on Radio Biafra.
It wondered why he would not like to follow the steps of other broadcasters on the platform who have since done the needful.
The group however noted the decision to disengage Ekpa was not to ridicule him but to prove to all that due process could not be compromised in IPOB as a well-structured movement.
The statement reads in part: “The global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has observed with regrets, that Mazi Simon Ekpa whom our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu gave an appointment and duty to start broadcasting on Radio Biafra doesn’t want to follow the laid down rules of operation in Radio Biafra.
“Our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu gave the directive while in detention but Mazi Simon Ekpa has refused to follow the principles.
“Mazi Simon Ekpa has refused to sign the rules of engagement and code of conduct guiding those broadcasting on Radio Biafra. We don’t understand why Mazi Ekpa would not like to follow the steps of other broadcasters on the platform who have since done the needful.
“IPOB is a big movement, and cannot just change the rules because of one individual as this may set a bad precedence.
“Mazi Simon Ekpa is hardworking Biafran whose immense contributions towards the restoration of Biafra are highly appreciated, but for not signing the code of conduct as a broadcaster on Radio Biafra, he may not continue to have the opportunity of broadcasting via the platform.
“This decision was not intended to ridicule or undermine anyone but to prove to all that due process cannot be compromised in IPOB. IPOB is a well- structured movement where activities of members are regulated with well-thought out rules. No one should act in a way that suggests that the laws are meant for certain group of people.
“While Mazi Simon Ekpa has the right to make his broadcasts on Facebook and other platforms of his choice, he may no longer broadcast on Radio Biafra as one of the official broadcasters.”
The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had appointed Simon Ekpa as the new director of Radio Biafra following the arrest and detention of their self-acclaimed leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
He said: “Our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi on this day, 8th of July 2021 directed that I, Simon Ekpa should start broadcasting from Radio Biafra with immediate effect,” he said.
“I will serve with everything in me and I will double my effort in media, diplomacy, and otherwise to the best interest of Biafra people.”
But the spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful, yesterday clarified that the appointment was not a replacement for Kanu.
Powerful, who spoke with Daily Trust on Sunday via telephone, said Nnamdi Kanu remained the leader of the organisation and nobody has the right to change him.
“Ekpa was only given opportunity to contribute in the programme like others. He cannot replace him (Kanu) and there is no plan for any person to replace him as the leader of IPOB,” he said.
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen and politician who was recently elected deputy councillor of his municipality, holds an LL.M, and is a human rights activist and a legal researcher and advisor.
He is a native of Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and is said to be a prince.