IPOB Denounces Alleged Involvement of Simon Ekpa, Calls Out DSS
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a stern rebuke against the Department of State Services (DSS), accusing the agency of manipulating Biafra activist Simon Ekpa to undermine the group’s stability.
This assertion was unveiled through a statement from IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful.
In the statement, Powerful urged media outlets not to label Ekpa as a member of the pro-Biafra organization, clarifying that his activities were not aligned with those of IPOB.
The spokesperson voiced frustration at what he characterized as media houses and social media platforms intentionally linking Ekpa’s activities with IPOB.
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He stressed that Simon Ekpa is neither a registered member of the pro-Biafra group nor aligned with the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Powerful asserted that the Nigerian secret police were using Ekpa as a tool to tarnish IPOB’s reputation by associating his alleged violent and unlawful activities with the organization.
He highlighted Ekpa’s own statements that he leads a separate group referred to as “Auto Pilot” and “Biafra Government in Exile.”
The statement read, “It has become very imperative that we appeal to media houses, social media outfits, and platforms to be appropriately guided in reflecting the reality in their publications concerning linking Simon Ekpa’s violent and other unlawful activities to IPoB when he is not our member and has told the world that the groups he leads are Auto Pilot and Biafra government in exile.”
Powerful expressed concern over the consistent efforts of DSS and similar agencies to infiltrate and weaken IPOB from within.
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He condemned the use of Ekpa, who, according to the statement, has no association with the group and has never been a member.
The statement continued, “Those referring to Ekpa as a factional leader of IPoB are either misguided, ill-informed, or playing the script of DSS, who are his main sponsors with the main agenda to destabilize the South East with the use of criminals.”
Powerful emphasized that Ekpa’s claims of leadership in the “Auto Pilot” and “Biafra Government in Exile” groups should not be misconstrued as a connection to IPOB.
He called upon media entities to desist from associating Ekpa with the IPOB, asserting that the activist’s actions were independent and distinct from those of the pro-Biafra organization.
The ongoing friction highlights the complex dynamics in the region and the attempts to influence narratives surrounding various Biafran groups.
Amid these claims and counterclaims, IPOB seeks to clarify its position and disassociate from the activities attributed to Simon Ekpa, as it aims to maintain its integrity and mission.
