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General election won’t hold in South East without the release of Nnamdi Kanu – World Igbo Union
The World Igbo Union has berated the Nigerian government for summoning the Finnish Ambassador where it tabled complaints against Mazi Simon Ekpa, Spokesperson for the Indigenous People of Biafra.
Reacting in a statement which was issued by the Spokesperson of the World Igbo Union, Mazi Oge Nkere, said it was disappointing for the Nigeria Minister of Foreign Affairs to involve another country in a problem created by him and the Nigeria leadership.
The World Igbo Union said, despite complaints against Simon Ekpa who has dual citizenship in Nigeria and Finnish, there will be no election in Southeast Nigeria without the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been acquitted and discharged by three competent courts of jurisdiction in Nigeria.
The statement which was made available to CAPITAL POST on Friday in Abuja read: “The United Nations, UN Human Rights Council Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, has indicted the Nigeria government for the arrest and extraordinary rendition, torture and continued detention of the leader of the indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, without due process.
“In a country that Its leadership disobeys the rule of law with impunity, has no justification or moral obligation to demand rule of law from other countries or its citizens:
“The attention of the World Igbo Union (WIU), the umbrella organization of Igbos worldwide has been drawn to a recent summon of the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria by the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss about the Biafra Spokesperson in the person of Mazi Simon Ekpa.
“A recent report from the Premium Times noted that the Finland Ambassador to Nigeria Leena Pylvanainen was summoned by the Nigeria Ministry of Foreign affairs represented by Geoffrey Onyeama to discuss the current sit-at -home approved by Biafrans through their Spokesperson Mazi Simon Ekpa.
“The Nigerian representative wanted the Finland Government to intervene.”
He explained that Mazi Simon Ekpa is a dual Nigerian and Finnish Citizen who has millions of followers across Nigeria seeking for either a Referendum or restructure of the country due to myriad of problems created by the current structure, composition, dangerous diversities as well as the current leadership of Nigeria.
WIU questioned Geoffrey Onyeama on the viability of a scheduled presidential election in Nigeria with special reference to the territory of the Indigenous People of Biafra in the Southeast where an estimated 45,000 innocent Biafrans have been murdered by the Nigeria state due to their belief, 10,000 missing and over 7,000 citizens incarcerated in different cells across the country.
“Such killings, incarceration and suppression is also witnessed in other parts of the country such as the Southwest, Middle belt, and South South. He questioned the rationale for engaging Finland Ambassador in Nigeria’s election when he and his administration has constantly disobeyed court orders and rule of law including the continuous detention of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra Mazi Nnamdi Kanu whom the United Nations Committee on Arbitrary Rendition has ordered for his release with compensation.
“The deadline given by the UN for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has passed and the Nigeria government including Onyeama has refused to comply with the UN directives. The continued incarceration of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigeria government is a major reason for the call for sit-at-home in Biafraland.
“Charity, they say begins from home. The apex body representative noted the recent frustration and suffering of the Nigerian masses stemming from the new Naira currency swap, hardship, insecurity, lack of leadership, destruction of economy and anger that cuts across the country.”
“The heightened tension of insecurity caused by the government’s policy of rehabilitation and reintegration of known terrorists into the Nigerian security forces has created a nightmare to the Nigerian people.
“The insensitive nature of the government to push for election that majority of the country especially those from the Southeast and Southwestern part of the country have rejected. The continued incarceration of the Leader of Biafra Mazi Nnamdi Kanu despite repeated pleas and calls by sitting governors from Southeast Nigeria for his release.
The group encouraged the Nigeria government to conduct a Referendum as requested by Biafrans, Oduduwa’s, and other Nigerians and stop the militarization of a supposedly democratic election process.
The group thanked the Finland government for maintaining the importance of freedom of speech and respect for citizens right of which Mazi Simon Ekpa has been in the fore front to liberate his people from continued suppression, oppression, genocide and ethnic cleansing and terrorism fueled by the Nigerian state.
Rugby School Nigeria, the newest international school of the esteemed Rugby School Group, is set to open in September 2025 in Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.
To celebrate this significant milestone, an exclusive launch event was held at the British Deputy High Commissioner’s residence in Lagos, attracting over 100 distinguished guests and key stakeholders from the education, government, business sectors, and diplomatic communities.
At the official launch event on March 19, 2025, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter highlighted the significance of Rugby School Nigeria stating:
“Rugby School Nigeria exemplifies one of the best of UK-Nigeria collaborations, bringing another world-class British education institution to the heart of Lagos. Situated in the dynamic Eko Atlantic City, a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition and innovation, this school is poised to further shape future leaders in a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Rugby School Nigeria will initially open its doors for Sixth Form students (ages 16-18) in September 2025, with boarding facilities set to be available from September 2026. The Senior School (ages 11-16) will launch in September 2026, offering a broad and engaging curriculum that prepares students for IGCSEs and future academic success.
Founding Principal of Rugby School Nigeria, Dr Adam England expressed his enthusiasm:
“Rugby School Nigeria will offer an exceptional education that nurtures both intellectual growth and character development guided by the Rugby School ‘Whole Person, Whole Point’ philosophy. Students will benefit from a comprehensive A-Level programme, preparing them for top universities worldwide, alongside the Rugby 360 programme, which fosters leadership, community engagement, and personal development.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will include science labs, creative arts spaces, and world-class sporting facilities.”
Founded in 1567, Rugby School is one of the world’s most prestigious UK boarding schools, renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and character development. With established sister schools in Thailand, Japan, and now Nigeria, Rugby School continues to expand its global impact, offering transformative educational experiences to students worldwide.
Dr England added, “We are excited by the substantial interest we have already received, with numerous parents’ meetings taking place daily at our offices.”
Senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Olajide Ipinsagba Emmanuel has scored himself high in terms of constituency projects deliveries to his constituents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview in his office with journalists, he said “he facilitated Agricultural Training Programs for youths and existing farmers, equipping them with modern techniques to enhance productivity, distributed fertilizers to farmers to address critical agricultural challenges, ensuring increased output and improved local food security.
“Constructed and fully equipped a modern health centre in Akunnu-Akoko, ensuring access to quality healthcare for the community, distributed health equipments and materials to the State Specialist Hospital, Ikare-Akoko, thereby strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving health outcomes.”
“Trained and Empowered Women and Youth in Confectioneries. He organised training in cake baking and other confectioneries, followed by the disbursement of start-up grants to empower beneficiaries to establish their businesses. Training of women on soap making with start-up funds.
In the same vein, he organized ICT training programs for youths, distributed HP Core i7 laptops, and provided start-up grants to promote innovation and employment in the tech sector.
“Trained youths in tailoring, provided sewing machines, and disbursed start-up grants to enhance self-reliance and job creation. Constructed a 1.5-kilometer road in Oka-Akoko, improving connectivity, facilitating economic activities, and easing transportation for farmers and traders. Spearheaded the construction of the Ikare Modern Civic Center, which serves as a hub for cultural, social, and civic engagements. Facilitated the construction of 28 lock-up shops in Oka -Akoko, providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurs and boosting local commerce.
Dist. Sen. Olajide who is passionate about education, distributed free JAMB forms to students across the Senatorial District, enabling many young people to pursue higher education without financial barriers.
Also, he sponsored a bill for the establishment of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) University in Ikare-Akoko. A public hearing was successfully held on December 28, 2024, reflecting progress toward establishing this vital institution for skill development and education. Lighting up towns and villages with Solar Panels including Adekunle Ajasin University.”
These achievements underscore his commitment to fostering development in agriculture, education, health, and infrastructure. As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Procurement, he also prioritizes accountability and efficiency in national projects, which directly impacts the equitable allocation of resources to Ondo North Senatorial District and Ondo State at large.
Moreso, he empowered Small Businesses through skill acquisition programmes and provision of lock-up shops, he has laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship to flourish within the district. Strengthening Youth Engagement, by bridging the gap between education, technology, and employment. He is equipping youths with the tools necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”
Edo State Government has lashed at the factional chapter of the caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party and the appointed publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, for rushing to the press without first understanding the subject at hand.
In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua in Benin and made available to journalists said, Nehikhare’s latest press release was another embarrassing display of ignorance, completely missing the point Governor Monday Okpebholo raised.
The Governor was referring to the $10 million that Godwin Obaseki budgeted for The Observer Newspaper shortly before the 2024 governorship elections in Edo State, not the refurbished equipment bought from ‘Ogbete Market’ in Enugu State.
Obaseki, a portfolio scam artist, who presided over the looting of Edo’s commonwealth, hurriedly siphoned $10 million, using The Observer Newspaper as a conduit, barely a few days to the governorship election in Edo State in late 2024.
Nehikhare’s desperate attempt to twist the conversation is not just misleading but exposes the habitual dishonesty of the PDP.
On the issue of the so-called “sophisticated machines,” Nehikhare conveniently ignores the real concern—these overused and inefficient machines now require billions of naira to function properly. Obaseki may have procured them at a roadside market, but he left behind a financial burden that the present administration must now clean up.
More troubling is Nehikhare’s confused outrage about the sacking of Observer staff. How does he expect those no longer employed to be available at the premises? His logic is as flawed as the policies of the administration he blindly defends.
Instead of this laughable attempt at deflection, Nehikhare should explain why, in his final days, Obaseki found it necessary to allocate a staggering $10 million to a State-owned newspaper that is practically invisible on newspaper stands across the State and country—at a time when critical sectors like education and healthcare remained underfunded.
If Nehikhare wishes to debate the facts, he should do so with accuracy, not fiction. But then again, fiction seems to be the PDP’s favourite tool.
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