The Bloodletting Gambit: Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu, and the Biafra Scam Unveiled
Introduction and Historical Context
In a blistering Note of Caution issued on behalf of the Igbo Caucus and the Lower Niger Congress (LNC) within the Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination (NINAS), Tony Nnadi has called for accountability for Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu, and their collaborators. The statement addresses the alleged “Biafra Restoration” campaign, denouncing it as a deliberate, calculated scam that has inflicted severe pain, division, and bloodshed upon the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria. As the debates rage, this explosive declaration shines a searing light on what many now see as the commodification of Igbo suffering.
The Biafra name carries a weight of history and sorrow, rooted in the tragic events of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). Over one million lives were lost, many of them civilians who perished in the ensuing famine. For decades, the mere mention of Biafra evoked deep emotions, especially among Igbos who endured this catastrophic chapter in Nigeria’s post-independence history. But the emergence of individuals like Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa, operating under the banner of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and associated groups, has reshaped the discourse. Nnadi’s cautionary note lambasts their actions as opportunistic, fraudulent, and detrimental to any legitimate liberation aspirations in southeastern Nigeria.
Tony Nnadi’s message is clear: the so-called “Biafra Restoration” campaign is not only hollow but also a dangerously divisive strategy that has escalated violence and disorder in Igboland. He argues that the promoters of this campaign have cynically exploited the goodwill and trauma of the Igbo people, transforming a historic struggle into a cash-grab scheme that profits a select few while destabilising the region.
The declaration accuses these actors of orchestrating chaos under the guise of freedom fighting, thereby inviting state-sponsored violence and intensifying already precarious conditions in the southeast. According to Nnadi, the architects of the “Biafra Restoration” campaign, from their safe overseas enclaves, have manipulated a younger, ill-informed generation of Igbos to spill blood in pursuit of a phantom republic. This tragic spectacle is a grim reminder of the unresolved questions surrounding Nigeria’s unity, federalism, and the autonomy of its constituent nationalities.
The Biafra Restoration Mirage
Nnadi’s critique focuses on what he describes as the intellectual and strategic bankruptcy of Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu, and their associates. Central to his argument is the repeated failure of these actors to articulate a coherent territorial map of the “Biafra” they claim to be restoring. The lack of agreement on boundaries, particularly concerning the inclusion of non-Igbo peoples in the Niger Delta, undermines the entire campaign. This omission is no trivial matter; it strikes at the heart of the legitimacy of the “Biafra Restoration” project.
The 1967 Biafra Declaration, led by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, sought to establish a republic that included parts of what is now the Niger Delta, encompassing Rivers, Bayelsa, and Cross River states. However, Nnadi highlights a critical point: these territories were separated from the Eastern Region by Nigeria’s federal government on May 27, 1967—three days before the Biafra Declaration. This strategic manoeuvre fragmented the Eastern Region, rendering the idea of a unified Biafra contentious from the outset.
Adding fuel to the controversy, the Niger Delta peoples have repeatedly disavowed any association with the Biafra project, both in 1967 and today. Their historical grievances against perceived Igbo domination, coupled with the federal government’s manipulations, have created a deep mistrust that Simon Ekpa and Nnamdi Kanu have failed to address. Without securing the consent of these peoples, any claim to a restored Biafra is fundamentally flawed.
The Fraudulent Franchise of IPOB and ESN
The most damning part of Nnadi’s statement concerns the financial and ideological exploitation underpinning the “Biafra Restoration” movement. The IPOB leadership, including Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa, is accused of using the Biafra name to generate wealth and fame, primarily from the safety of their foreign residences. This critique echoes a growing sentiment among Igbos who feel betrayed by a movement that has brought them nothing but violence, instability, and economic setbacks.
By mobilising young, impoverished Igbos to engage in violent confrontations with the Nigerian state, IPOB and its paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), have created a pretext for increased militarisation of the southeast. The fallout has been devastating: rampant extrajudicial killings, widespread displacement, and a deepening cycle of fear and insecurity. Meanwhile, the movement’s leaders enjoy luxurious lifestyles abroad, far removed from the chaos they orchestrate.
Biafra Versus Latvia: A False Parallel
Nnadi also dismantles one of the movement’s favourite rhetorical devices: the comparison between Biafra and the Baltic states of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. He argues that this analogy is intellectually dishonest and historically inaccurate. The Baltic states were internationally recognised sovereign nations before their annexation by the Soviet Union, making their eventual independence a restoration of pre-existing sovereignties.
In stark contrast, the Biafra of 1967 was an aspirational entity, born out of necessity during a period of ethnic cleansing and systemic marginalisation. It lacked the historical and legal foundations of the Baltic states, and its attempted secession was crushed by a combination of Nigerian military force and British geopolitical interests. To equate the two scenarios is not only misleading but also a dangerous oversimplification that ignores the complexities of Nigeria’s political landscape.
The Human Cost of the “Biafra Restoration” Campaign
The so-called “Biafra Restoration” campaign has left a trail of pain, bloodshed, and economic devastation across Igboland. Tony Nnadi’s Note of Caution draws attention to the catastrophic human toll orchestrated by Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu, and their collaborators. Their campaign, shrouded in rhetoric about Igbo liberation, has turned Igboland into a battleground, destabilising its communities and leaving its people more vulnerable than ever.
A Region Held Hostage by Fear and Chaos
At the heart of the tragedy is the violence unleashed by IPOB’s paramilitary wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), and other shadowy groups acting under its guise. Over the past years, Igboland has witnessed a surge in killings, kidnappings, arson, and destruction of public infrastructure. These acts of terror have paralysed local economies, disrupted educational institutions, and led to mass displacement of families.
The security situation in the region has deteriorated to the point where ordinary citizens live in constant fear. Markets, schools, and businesses in many areas remain shut for days at a time due to IPOB-enforced sit-at-home orders. Violators of these orders have faced brutal consequences, including beatings, arson, and even murder. What began as a political movement for autonomy has devolved into an oppressive regime of violence, imposed by self-proclaimed liberators on the very people they claim to represent.
This climate of fear has also provided a convenient cover for criminal elements. Bandits and rogue security operatives have exploited the chaos to carry out extrajudicial killings and kidnappings for ransom, further compounding the suffering of innocent Igbos. As Nnadi highlights, the actions of IPOB and ESN have given the Nigerian state a pretext to intensify its militarisation of the southeast, resulting in even more human rights abuses and loss of life.
The Economic Fallout: A Region on Its Knees
The economic impact of the “Biafra Restoration” campaign has been devastating. The southeast, once a hub of commerce and industry, is now grappling with unprecedented economic stagnation. Investors have fled, businesses have closed, and unemployment has skyrocketed. The frequent sit-at-home orders alone have cost the region billions of naira in lost revenue, crippling the livelihoods of traders, artisans, and small business owners who form the backbone of the Igbo economy.
In cities like Onitsha, Aba, and Enugu, previously bustling commercial hubs now bear the scars of violence and neglect. Roads remain impassable, markets are deserted, and residents live under the shadow of insecurity. The economic paralysis has forced many young people to leave the region in search of opportunities elsewhere, further draining Igboland of its human capital.
This exodus has also deepened the sense of alienation and hopelessness among those who remain. For many, the dream of Biafra has become a nightmare, with no clear path to economic recovery or stability in sight. Tony Nnadi’s warning about the debilitating setbacks caused by IPOB and its collaborators is painfully evident in the state of Igboland today.
The Generational Divide: Manipulation and Betrayal
One of the most troubling aspects of the “Biafra Restoration” campaign is its impact on the younger generation of Igbos. Many of these youths, disillusioned by decades of marginalisation and neglect by the Nigerian state, have been drawn to IPOB’s fiery rhetoric and promises of liberation. For them, the idea of Biafra represents not just a political aspiration but also an emotional response to historical injustices and contemporary hardships.
However, as Nnadi points out, this emotional connection has been cynically exploited by Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu, and their associates. Operating from the safety of their foreign residences, these so-called freedom fighters have manipulated the anger and frustration of Igbo youths to advance their own agendas. They have encouraged young people to engage in violent protests and confrontations with security forces, knowing full well the deadly consequences.
The result has been a tragic loss of life among Igbo youth, who have become pawns in a game they barely understand. Many have been killed in clashes with security forces, while others have been imprisoned or forced into hiding. The psychological toll on their families and communities is immeasurable, deepening the scars of a region already traumatised by its past.
The Failure of Leadership and Accountability
At the core of this crisis lies a failure of leadership—not just within IPOB but also among the broader Igbo political and intellectual elite. Many influential Igbos have either remained silent or tacitly supported the actions of IPOB and ESN, fearing backlash or political irrelevance. This silence has allowed the narrative of “Biafra Restoration” to dominate public discourse, drowning out more nuanced and constructive approaches to addressing Igbo grievances.
Tony Nnadi’s Note of Caution is a rare exception, a courageous attempt to hold these so-called liberators accountable for their actions. By exposing the fraud and hypocrisy at the heart of the “Biafra Restoration” campaign, Nnadi challenges the Igbo elite to confront the uncomfortable truths about the region’s current predicament.
He also calls for a critical examination of the movement’s financial underpinnings. How have Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu, and their associates funded their operations? What role has diaspora support played in sustaining the campaign? And most importantly, how much of the money raised in the name of Biafra has actually been used to benefit the Igbo people? These are questions that demand answers if there is to be any hope of restoring trust and accountability in Igboland.
The Broader Implications for Nigeria
The crisis in Igboland is not just an Igbo problem; it is a Nigerian problem. The actions of IPOB and ESN, as well as the Nigerian state’s heavy-handed response, have exposed the deep fault lines in the country’s political and social fabric. These tensions, if left unaddressed, could escalate into a broader conflict with devastating consequences for Nigeria as a whole.
Tony Nnadi’s critique underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive, inclusive approach to resolving Nigeria’s national question. The Igbo struggle for autonomy cannot be separated from the larger struggle for justice and equity in Nigeria. As Nnadi points out, the NINAS Alliance has already made significant progress in identifying and isolating the systemic issues that sustain Nigeria’s current dysfunctional structure.
However, the actions of IPOB and its collaborators threaten to derail these efforts, creating unnecessary divisions and distractions at a critical moment. For Nigeria to move forward, it must address the legitimate grievances of its constituent nationalities while holding accountable those who exploit these grievances for personal gain.
Reclaiming Igbo Destiny: Toward Genuine Liberation and Accountability
As the dust begins to settle on the chaos wrought by Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu, and their collaborators, it is clear that Igboland stands at a crossroads. The Note of Caution issued by Tony Nnadi is not just a critique of the so-called “Biafra Restoration” campaign; it is a clarion call for Igbos to reclaim their agency and refocus their energies on achieving genuine liberation. The question now is how to chart a path forward—one that addresses the deep-rooted grievances of the Igbo people while avoiding the pitfalls of exploitation, division, and bloodshed.
The NINAS Alliance Framework: A Blueprint for Sovereignty
At the core of Tony Nnadi’s argument is the assertion that the Igbo struggle for self-determination cannot be divorced from the larger battle to dismantle Nigeria’s unitary structure. Through the NINAS Alliance, Nnadi and his associates have laid out a comprehensive strategy to reclaim the sovereignty of Nigeria’s ethnic nationalities. This framework seeks to replace the 1999 Constitution, which centralises power in Abuja, with a new constitutional arrangement that respects the rights of Nigeria’s diverse peoples.
The NINAS strategy is built on four pillars:
Deconstruction of the Rogue Nigerian State: NINAS has worked to expose and delegitimise the 1999 Constitution as the foundation of Nigeria’s oppressive political structure. By demonstrating that this constitution lacks the consent of the governed, the alliance has opened the door for a peaceful renegotiation of Nigeria’s federal arrangement.
Regional Referendums: Unlike the IPOB’s unilateral declarations, NINAS advocates for regional referendums to determine the will of the people. This process would allow the Igbos and other nationalities to decide their political future in a democratic and internationally recognised manner.
Strategic Alliances: Recognising that no ethnic group can achieve liberation in isolation, NINAS has sought to build coalitions among Nigeria’s various ethnic nationalities. By uniting the Middle Belt, Yoruba, and southern minorities under a common cause, the alliance has created a formidable front against the forces of oppression.
Nonviolent Advocacy: NINAS rejects the use of violence as a means of achieving self-determination. Instead, it emphasises dialogue, legal challenges, and international advocacy as tools for advancing its agenda. This approach stands in stark contrast to the blood-soaked tactics of IPOB and ESN.
The Role of Leadership and Accountability
As Igboland looks to the future, the question of leadership will be paramount. The region needs leaders who can inspire trust, unite diverse constituencies, and articulate a clear vision for progress. Such leaders must prioritise the welfare of their people over personal gain and resist the temptation to exploit the emotional appeal of Biafra for political or financial purposes.
Tony Nnadi’s call for accountability extends not only to Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu, and their collaborators but also to the broader Igbo elite. Traditional rulers, political leaders, and intellectuals must take a stand against the fraudulent schemes masquerading as liberation movements. They must also engage with the NINAS framework and other progressive initiatives to ensure that the Igbo struggle for self-determination is rooted in integrity, strategy, and inclusivity.
Rebuilding Igboland: The Economic and Social Imperatives
The economic devastation inflicted on Igboland by IPOB’s activities demands immediate attention. Restoring the region’s economy will require a multifaceted approach that includes:
Investment in Infrastructure: The rebuilding of roads, markets, schools, and other public facilities is essential for reviving commerce and improving the quality of life.
Support for Small Businesses: As the backbone of the Igbo economy, small businesses need access to credit, training, and government support to recover from the losses incurred during IPOB’s campaigns.
Job Creation for Youth: Addressing the high unemployment rate among Igbo youths is crucial for reducing their vulnerability to exploitation by rogue groups. Initiatives in agriculture, technology, and manufacturing could provide sustainable employment opportunities.
Community Reconciliation: The social fabric of Igboland has been torn apart by years of violence and division. Healing these wounds will require deliberate efforts to promote dialogue, understanding, and unity among communities.
The Role of the Diaspora: From Enablers to Partners in Progress
The Igbo diaspora has played a significant role in sustaining the “Biafra Restoration” campaign through financial contributions and online advocacy. However, as Nnadi points out, this support has often been misguided, enabling the rise of self-serving individuals like Simon Ekpa and Nnamdi Kanu.
Going forward, the diaspora must reassess its priorities and align itself with genuine efforts to uplift Igboland. This means channeling resources into initiatives that promote education, healthcare, and economic development rather than funding violence and propaganda. It also means engaging with credible organisations like the NINAS Alliance to support a lawful and strategic approach to self-determination.
The Nigerian State: A Partner or an Obstacle?
The Nigerian state’s response to the Igbo struggle has been marked by a combination of repression, indifference, and opportunism. The militarisation of the southeast has only deepened the region’s grievances, fuelling resentment and alienation among its people.
For Nigeria to move forward as a united and stable nation, it must address the root causes of the Igbo struggle. This includes revisiting the structural injustices enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, ensuring equitable representation for all regions, and fostering an environment where diverse identities can coexist peacefully.
At the same time, the state must hold accountable those who exploit ethnic sentiments for personal gain. Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu, and their collaborators have not only betrayed the Igbo cause but also undermined Nigeria’s fragile stability. Their actions must be met with justice to deter future opportunists.
Conclusion: A Time for Reflection and Action
The Igbo people stand at a historic juncture. The chaos and setbacks inflicted by the “Biafra Restoration” campaign have exposed the dangers of emotional manipulation, opportunism, and violence. At the same time, they have highlighted the urgent need for a strategic and inclusive approach to self-determination.
Tony Nnadi’s Note of Caution serves as both a warning and a roadmap. It challenges the Igbo people to reject the fraudulent schemes of IPOB and its collaborators and to embrace a more thoughtful and principled path toward liberation. It also calls on the broader Nigerian society to engage with the legitimate grievances of its constituent nationalities, recognising that the quest for justice and equity is a shared struggle.
As the NINAS Alliance continues its work, it offers a glimmer of hope for a better future—not just for Igboland but for Nigeria as a whole. The journey ahead will be difficult, but with courage, unity, and strategic leadership, the Igbo people can reclaim their destiny and achieve the freedom and dignity they so richly deserve.