2023: Nnamdi Kanu, Simon Ekpa fight for the soul of IPOB

It is now undeniable that there is a huge split in the leadership of the breakaway group, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

DAILY POST reports that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the founder and leader of the group and his followers have openly declared a battle against Simon Ekpa, a former soldier based in Finland, believed to be from Ebonyi State, in an attempt to of snatching the band from him.

Furthermore, there have been allegations that the violence suffered in the South Eastern States is orchestrated by Ekpa and members of his group.

Simon Ekpa, a former ally of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, shot to fame about three years ago. Before that, the Finnish ex-soldier was identified as an athlete, who won a few laurels for Nigeria, before migrating overseas.

His identification with Kanu, however, gave him the recognition he sought. Using the name IPOB and Kanu, Ekpa consistently described himself in broadcast messages as an unabashed follower of Nnamdi Kanu. Those who know Ekpa said he was so supportive of Kanu that he became a trusted ally to him, and even kept separate broadcast messages away from his own.

However, Kanu's arrest in Kenya last year marked a turning point for Ekpa, which began to assume leadership, even to the point of calling for fundraising and seeking control of the military wing IPOB, known as the Eastern Security Network (RSE). Attempts by the State Directorate (DOS) of IPOB, which led the group in Kanu's absence, to arrest him yielded no results.

Ekpa pushed back against DOS, saying that IPOB was on autopilot and not controlled by anyone, and as such would not submit to DOS. A source who claimed to be a member of IPOB and who asked not to be named revealed to DAILY POST that prior to Kanu's arrest, Ekpa had worked closely with Kanu, even in forming the ESN.

"He knows a lot about the workings of the IPOB. He was close to Kanu, and no one will even agree that at some point he will become rebellious to this same Kanu, whom he then referred to as supreme leader , and to whom he arrogated the quality of disciple.

"I think he's just a greedy character, because even before Kanu's arrest, he already tried to raise funds through our brothers living abroad. But that's after Kanu's arrest that he came out full, to show himself.

“Several attempts by Kanu, even from prison, to try and clip his wings failed. Most of his boys who work as gunmen are dissident boys from Kanu's ESN, whom Ekpa has recruited and are using for nefarious purposes,” he said.

The source said that at the height of the insecurity in Anambra State, before the state Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo dislodged them, Ekpa maintained a camp in part of Anambra State. 'Ihiala, and his boys were among those collecting money from people before any ceremony could take place.

Our source continued: "Do you know the notorious bandit called Double Lion, who was killed earlier this year in Ihiala? He and many other boys worked for Ekpa. IPOB also has its own boys, they work as security in whatever area they are in. Their only problem was that whatever town they settle in, they won't want to see the police in that town. They were friendly to the locals, but the boys of Ekpa rather terrorize the inhabitants.

"You will recall that Anambra became a bit cooler after Double Lion's death. You may also be interested to know that Double Lion and his men were not killed by police or federal forces, they were killed by a special ESN team, who felt that Ekpa and his boys were giving them a bad name.The IPOB faction of Ekpa and Kanu has been at loggerheads for some time now, but they try to keep it a secret."

Last week, Ekpa, speaking from Finland, declared a five-day sit-at-home in the five southeastern states. No reason was given for the statement, but speaking on an internet show, Have Your Say, anchored by US journalist Rudolf Okonkwo, Ekpa said December 9, 10, 11, 12 and 14 were reported sitting at home. days. He threatened that anyone who dared to come out would be dealt with. He also said the group could likely disrupt the 2023 elections in the southeast, saying he was only concerned about restoring Biafra.

Although the first day of the siege at home was not observed, many southeastern towns carried out their normal duty, but the following days, especially in Enugu and Imo states , there were instances of violence, suggesting that Ekpa and his men may have decided to follow through on their threat.

Meanwhile, IPOB spokesperson Mr. Emma Powerful had urged people to ignore Ekpa and go about their lawful business.

He said: "The IPOB never issued a sit-at-home order on the days mentioned above because w...