The prolonged detention of Simon Ekpa, Prime Minister of the self-declared United States of Biafra, by Finnish authorities at the behest of the Nigerian government, has ignited fresh international debates on human rights, self-determination, and freedom struggles in Africa.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, Chief of Staff and Deputy Prime Minister of the United States of Biafra, condemned what she described as Finland’s “calculated betrayal” of its own citizen. Dr. Orabueze accused the Finnish government of colluding with Nigeria to suppress the voice of Biafrans by detaining Simon Ekpa under allegations of terrorism while investigations are ongoing.

“This is not just an assault on one man but a calculated attempt to weaken the struggle for Biafran self-determination and embolden Nigeria’s oppressive policies against Biafrans,” she declared.

Dr. Orabueze pointed to escalating violence in the Biafra region, allegedly orchestrated by the Nigerian state and led by Defence Chief Christopher Musa, who has vowed to dismantle the Biafran movement.
She cited recent killings of Biafran civilians, which she claimed were carried out by reintegrated terrorists acting under the Nigerian government’s orders.
“Simon Ekpa’s only crime is his unwavering defense of Biafran citizens against state-backed terror,” she said.
The statement also called on Biafrans to remain resilient and continue funding their self-defense efforts. Dr. Orabueze urged Finland and Norway to respect international human rights laws and self-determination principles, warning against the criminalization of freedom fighters.

This controversy comes amid growing allegations of Nigeria’s human rights abuses, which have drawn criticism from organizations such as the United Nations and Amnesty International.

Dr. Orabueze reiterated that Biafran independence is not just Simon Ekpa’s vision but a collective aspiration of a marginalized people. She urged the international community to hold Finland and Nigeria accountable, demanding Ekpa’s immediate release to ensure the safety of his life.

“The struggle for Biafran independence is far from over, and history will judge those who choose to suppress rather than support it,” Dr. Orabueze concluded.

The world now watches as this clash of politics, sovereignty, and human rights unfolds.

Labour Party presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has turned a personal visit to the site of the devastating petrol tanker explosion in Suleja, Niger State, into a clarion call for urgent safety reforms.
The incident, which claimed over 100 lives and left more than 50 injured, has highlighted critical infrastructural and governance gaps in Nigeria.
In an emotionally charged visit, Obi inspected the explosion site, visited survivors in the hospital, and paid respects at the graveyard where 80 victims were buried.
He described the tragedy as preventable and reiterated the need for better road infrastructure, stringent tanker operation regulations, robust healthcare, and poverty alleviation measures.
Meeting with the Sarkin Dikko and his council, Obi expressed condolences and vowed to continue advocating for policies that prioritize the safety and welfare of Nigerians.
He stressed that governance must protect lives through proactive and strategic planning.
Obi’s visit sheds light on the urgency of addressing systemic challenges to ensure such tragedies never recur, leaving many hopeful for transformative action.

***Death toll now 100
The devastating tanker explosion at Dikko Junction on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, which has now claimed 100 lives, left survivors recounting harrowing tales of the ordeal. Witnesses described the moments leading to the tragedy, with many highlighting the chaos that ensued as people scrambled to safety.

According to residents near the junction, the tanker had appeared unstable before it overturned and erupted into flames. “We saw the fire spreading so fast; people were running in all directions. It was terrifying,” said Usman Adamu, a shop owner at the scene.

A survivor, Aminu Yakubu, who sustained minor burns, described how he barely escaped the inferno. “I was waiting to board a bus when the explosion happened. I ran as fast as I could, but the heat and smoke were everywhere.”

Local community members have also voiced frustration over recurring tanker accidents in the area, citing poor road conditions and the negligence of some drivers. “This is not the first time we’ve had such an incident here. We need stricter safety regulations and better roads to avoid more lives being lost,” said Grace Okeke, a community leader.

Emergency response teams continue to work tirelessly, with the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) assuring the public that victims are receiving necessary medical attention. However, critics argue that quicker response times and proactive safety measures could have mitigated the impact of the explosion.

As families mourn their loved ones and survivors recount their stories, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved safety protocols on Nigeria’s highways.