The diplomatic tensions between Finland and Nigeria have been on the rise due to the actions of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen, a former sprinter, and a local politician for the National Coalition Party in Lahti. He is also a human rights activist, CEO, senior legal advisor, legal researcher, author, analyst, and a Biafra spokesperson. Ekpa’s advocacy for the independence of the Biafra region in Nigeria, which has a population of around 20 million people, has triggered a diplomatic clash between the two nations.
The upcoming general elections in Nigeria have further escalated the feud as Ekpa has urged the predominantly Christian Igbo people of the Biafra region to boycott the elections, which he views as rigged and unfair. He has been vocal on social media, using his platform to draw international attention to the cause and push for a referendum on the region’s independence. His calls for peaceful demonstrations have been met with accusations of inciting violence and harassment from the Nigerian government and its supporters.
Despite the backlash, Ekpa remains undeterred, and he recently tweeted, “There is no amount of carnage by the Nigeria terrorist state that will stop Biafra from exiting Nigeria this year.” His movement, The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has gained momentum, and his calls for independence have received support from various organizations and individuals worldwide.
Who is Simon Ekpa ?
Simon Ekpa is a Nigerian-Biafran activist who has become known for his advocacy for the independence of the Igbo people of southeast Nigeria. He is one of the leaders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and has been a prominent voice in the movement for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria.
The Nigerian government response
The Nigerian government has been quick to respond to Ekpa’s actions, summoning the Finnish ambassador and demanding action against Ekpa’s advocacy for Biafra’s independence. However, Finland has taken a different approach, maintaining that individuals have the right to express their political opinions, and authorities should only intervene in cases of suspected criminal activity. The tension between the two nations has been brewing for some time, and Biafra’s cause has gained a lot of sympathy in Finland since the region adopted the Finnish national anthem during its struggle for independence from Nigeria between 1967 and 1970.
The clash between Nigeria and Finland highlights the ongoing struggle for self-determination in many parts of the world and the complexities of international diplomacy. The actions of individuals like Ekpa, who use their platforms to advocate for change, can have far-reaching consequences, and it is crucial for governments to balance the protection of individual rights with the maintenance of international relations. As the situation in Biafra continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the diplomatic tensions between Finland and Nigeria will be resolved.
Image Credit: Simon Ekpa/Twitter
