Simon Ekpa, threat to Nigeria, says CDS

The chief of defence staff, Christopher Musa, has described Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of the outlawed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), as a threat to Nigeria’s security and stability.

Musa made this remark on Tuesday at the house of representatives, where he and other service chiefs gave an update on the security situation in the country.

Ekpa, who claims to be a follower of Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader, has been urging a sit-at-home protest in the south-east region.

However, IPOB has repeatedly denied issuing such a directive, which has been violently enforced by Ekpa’s supporters.

Musa said Ekpa’s activities have resulted in many deaths and injuries, while his “utterances” have damaged the country’s image and reputation.

The defence chief called for diplomatic action against Ekpa, who is based in Finland.

“In the south-east, Simon Ekpa has become a menace to this country,” he said.

“The country must act on it diplomatically. Simon is having a freeway because they (Finland) encouraging him to do what he is doing.

“His utterances and actions are affecting what is happening in Nigeria. We should never allow that — our foreign service should step in.”

He also suggested that the government should summon the Finnish ambassador to explain why they are protecting him.

“He is doing us more harm because, by his utterances, a lot of people have been killed,” Musa said.

Musa emphasised that security is not only the duty of the security forces, but also of every citizen.

He urged Nigerians to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

“We can never be everywhere. So, we need educational sensitisation programmes for all Nigerians to understand that security is everybody’s responsibility. What you see — talk about it,” he said.

“You don’t just keep quiet and say that it is for the police or the army. Everybody has a role.”

Musa also stressed that good governance is the key to addressing insecurity.

He noted that the military operations have been more successful in states where the governors have shown commitment and responsiveness to the people’s needs.

“We have seen governors that are willing and doing things to make the people happy and that is why we are having the cases of success we are having,” he said.