In a surprising move, Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafran agitator, has declared the establishment of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and appointed ministers to undertake its political and administrative governance outside of Nigeria.
In a letter to the United Nations General Assembly, dated April 13, 2023, Ekpa appealed to the global community to recognise the BRGIE and urged the UN to pressure the Nigerian government to release Nnamdi Kanu and all other ‘Biafrans’ held captive in Nigeria.
The letter also outlined the reasons for the establishment of the BRGIE, stating that it was founded by the indigenous people of Biafra in their determination to exit the Nigerian state.
According to the letter, the Biafra Government in Exile will undertake diplomatic and foreign relationships, arrangements, and agreements with other nations and interest organizations of the world on behalf of Biafra people.
Ekpa emphasized that the BRGIE officials would be accorded all diplomatic privileges as due to any government official of their respective level.
He added that the Biafra people, through their government in exile, are sourcing for support from all nations of the world to assist them in exiting Nigeria peacefully.
The letter also revealed the names of the appointed officials in the Biafra Government in Exile.
Mazi Simon Ekpa was elected as the Prime Minister, together with other officials, including Mazi Ogechukwu Nkere as Head of Finance, Hon Lady Azuka Charlesnwankwo as Deputy Head of Finance and Defense Minister, Dr Sam Agubosim as Diplomatic & Foreign Affairs, and Madam Anirejou Josephine Erewa as Coastal Region Orientation Coordinator.
Other appointed officials include Victor Adim/ Dr Ruby Nnadi as Group Secretary, Paul Adinam as the Department of Planning & Strategy, Dr Florence Agie & Mazi Ralph Chiamaka Ajere as Information/ Media & Communication, Madam May Ndirika as Secretary to World Igbo Union, Prof Anthony Nwannebuike Nwiboko/Mazi Solomon Nkwocha as Military, Dr Ngozi Orabueze, Dr Offorma, Dr Sam and Dr Mora as Ministry of Health, Dr Ruby Nnadi as Education, Dr Ngozi Orabueze & Emma Maduabu as Oil & Gas, Dr Benedict / Dr Florence Agie as Pharmacy & Laboratory Science, Board of Nursing, and Amobi Eneh as Transport & Logistics.
The declaration of the Biafra Government in Exile comes amid growing tensions in the South-East region of Nigeria, where the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been advocating for secession.
IPOB has been seeking to create an independent state of Biafra, made up of the states in the South-East region of Nigeria, citing marginalization and discrimination against the Igbo people.
While Ekpa’s declaration may have come as a surprise to many, it remains to be seen whether it will have any significant impact on the ongoing agitation for Biafra.
The Nigerian government has consistently maintained that Nigeria is an indivisible entity, and any attempt to secede would be met with force.
The international community has also been cautious in its response to the Biafra issue, with many urging dialogue and peaceful resolution of the conflict.
