Biafra loan: Okonjo-Iweala rebuts facilitation claims

World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, strongly denied allegations of facilitating a $57.5 billion loan for the Biafra Republic Government in Exile.

According to Dr. Okonjo-Iweala who took to her X handle on Thursday, it is imperative to underscore that the statement made by factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Simon Ekpa, is false.

Okonjo-Iweala emphatically refuted the allegations, calling the statement “outrageous” and “false”.

“I know no sensible person will believe what is contained in the outrageous tweet below, but in these troubled times, it is important to underscore that the statement is false”, she said.

The WTO DG further urged individuals who intend to misuse her name to desist from such actions.

She stated: “Again, I enjoin all those seeking to misuse my name to desist”.

About Simon Ekpa’s tweet

On October 23, 2024, separatist leader Simon Ekpa made a claim on social media that the World Bank and International Monetary Fund had agreed to provide a whopping $57.5 billion loan to the Biafra Republic Government in Exile.

Mr. Ekpa credited Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her role in facilitating this alleged loan.

According to Ekpa, these funds would support the establishment of a new government following the proposed declaration of Biafra independence on December 2, 2024.

He wrote, “The World Bank and IMF have agreed to loan the sum of $57.5 billion to Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) to form our government after December 2nd 2024 declaration of Biafra.

“I thank our sister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for helping me to facilitate the loan”, he said.

Who is Simon Ekpa

Mr. Simon Ekpa is a prominent figure in the Biafran independence movement, serving as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) faction in Finland.

Born in Nigeria, Mr. Ekpa later acquired Finnish citizenship.

Ekpa emerged as a key voice in the movement after Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest in 2015.

He advocates for Biafran self-determination and separation from Nigeria.

His online campaigns and social media influence have contributed to his notoriety.

However, his statements and actions have also sparked controversy, including allegations of inciting violence and financing separatist activities.

Nigerian authorities have accused him of treason.

His calls for Biafran independence have gained international attention, amidst opposition from the Nigerian government.

About Biafra

Biafra is a proposed independent state in West Africa.

It comprises mainly of the Igbo people and other ethnic groups in the southeastern region of Nigeria.

The idea of Biafra has its roots in the pre-colonial era when the Igbo people had a decentralized, democratic system.

However, with British colonial rule from 1914 to 1960, Igbo lands were merged with other territories to form Nigeria.

The modern Biafran movement gained momentum in 2012 when Nnamdi Kanu revived the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu’s arrest in 2015 sparked widespread protests, and in 2017, IPOB was proscribed as a terrorist organization by Nigeria.

Despite this, the movement continues, with IPOB and other groups advocating for independence.

Key issues driving the Biafran movement include ethnic marginalization, economic disparities, human rights abuses, and self-determination.

The Igbo people feel excluded from Nigeria’s power structure, and southeastern Nigeria lacks infrastructure development.

Alleged extrajudicial killings, arrests, and torture have further fueled tensions.

Notable figures in the Biafran movement include Odumegwu Ojukwu, who declared Biafra’s independence in 1967, and Nnamdi Kanu, the current IPOB leader.

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian, also plays a significant role in the movement.

The United Nations recognizes IPOB’s right to peaceful assembly.

European Union on other hand, has expressed concern over human rights abuses.

The United States encourages dialogue between IPOB and Nigeria.

Despite challenges, including internal divisions within IPOB, Nigeria’s hardline stance, economic dependence on Nigeria, and regional instability, the Biafran movement persists.

The current status remains tense, with IPOB and other groups continuing to advocate for independence.

The Biafran struggle raises fundamental questions about identity, self-determination, and the nature of nationhood.

As the movement evolves, its impact on Nigeria, West Africa, and global discourse on indigenous rights will be significant.

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