In a significant statement, Prophet Godwin Ikuru of the Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the issue of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leadership. Prophet Ikuru stressed that the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, should not proceed unless Simon Ekpa is also brought back to Nigeria and involved in the resolution process.
Responding to the appeals from South East governors and senators for Kanu’s release, Prophet Ikuru emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach. He likened Kanu and Ekpa to “cancer 1 and cancer 2,” describing them as significant threats to the nation’s stability. According to Ikuru, “Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa are like cancers ravaging Nigeria. It would be treacherous and extremely menacing to release Kanu without first addressing the issue of Ekpa. While Kanu has been in custody, Ekpa has continued to perpetrate violence and unrest in the East.”
Prophet Ikuru also advised Southeast governors and senators to include Ekpa in their negotiations, stating, “Include Simon Ekpa in the bargain to ensure that insecurity and killings in the East cease ultimately. I’m not opposed to Kanu’s release if Ekpa is also addressed. I ended the sit-at-home orders in the East because it was more a spiritual issue than a physical one. Peace must return to the East.”
This call for a dual approach underscores the need for a holistic solution to the ongoing unrest in Nigeria’s Southeast region.