IPOB names new director of radio

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has appointed Mr Simon Ekpa as the new director of Radio Biafra following the arrest and detention of their self-acclaimed leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Ekpa was reported to have posted the appointment on his Facebook page, describing it as an honour to serve “the Biafra nation and lovers of freedom.”

He said: “Our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi on this day, 8th of July 2021 directed that I, Simon Ekpa should start broadcasting from Radio Biafra with immediate effect,” he said.

“I will serve with everything in me and I will double my effort in media, diplomacy, and otherwise to the best interest of Biafra people.”

But the spokesman of the group, Emma Powerful, yesterday clarified that the appointment was not a replacement for Kanu.

Powerful, who spoke with Daily Trust on Sunday via telephone, said Nnamdi Kanu remained the leader of the organisation and nobody has the right to change him.

“Ekpa was only given opportunity to contribute in the programme like others. He cannot replace him (Kanu) and there is no plan for any person to replace him as the leader of IPOB,” he said.

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen and politician who was recently elected deputy councillor of his municipality, holds an LL.M, and is a human rights activist and a legal researcher and advisor.

He is a native of Ngbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and is said to be a prince.