Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has urged the Finnish government to repatriate Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based leader of the Autopilot group. Mbah criticized Ekpa for exploiting the emotions and hardships of the Igbo people and called on Southeast residents to ignore Ekpa’s sit-at-home directives.
Governor Mbah voiced his concerns during a weekend visit from the House of Representatives Committee on National Security and Intelligence. The committee was in Enugu for an oversight visit, which included inspecting the Department of State Service (DSS) Training Institute construction at Awgu.
Mbah emphasized the critical importance of security in his administration’s efforts to end the sit-at-home orders enforced by non-state actors. He condemned Ekpa, describing him as a “megalomaniac” who incites violence from the safety of Finland, a country where the rule of law prevails.
“As you may have noticed, Ekpa, who ironically lives peacefully in Finland with his family, promotes anarchy here, urging our youth towards self-destruction,” Mbah stated. “He pretends to fight for Igbo interests, but he exploits and extorts our people for personal gain. He is nothing more than a common criminal.”
Related NewsDHQ Declares Simon Ekpa, 96 Others Wanted
IPOB – “Simon Ekpa funding criminals in Orsuihitukwa, ESN has no camp there”
Mbah reassured the people of Enugu of their continued safety, emphasizing that his government remains steadfast against intimidation from criminal elements. “We have demonstrated our capability to provide security and will continue to do so with the support of our security agencies. We refuse to be cowed into a siege atmosphere that jeopardizes our hard-earned livelihoods,” he asserted.
The governor expressed his bewilderment at Finland’s tolerance of Ekpa’s activities, urging the House Committee to intervene and facilitate Ekpa’s repatriation to Nigeria to face justice.
Hon. Ahmed Satomi, Chairman of the House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, commended Governor Mbah for his exemplary leadership in security and governance, urging other states to emulate his proactive measures.
