Simon Ekpa Rebels Against Nnamdi Kalu – Refuses to Back Down on Monday’s ‘Sit-at-Home’ Plan

Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has vehemently rejected the directive issued by the group’s recognized leader, Nnamdi Kalu. In a video posted on his Twitter account, Ekpa distances himself from Kalu’s orders and calls on all supporters, loyalists, freedom fighters, and residents and business owners in the South-East region of Nigeria to disregard Kalu’s instructions. He accuses Kalu of being manipulated by paid politicians, suggesting that the shared letter containing the order is not genuine.

Ekpa firmly stands his ground, affirming that the “Sit-at-Home” protests, which have become a regular occurrence in the region, will persist. He specifically urges everyone to observe a “Sit-at-Home” on Monday, July 31, 2023, and goes a step further by announcing a non-negotiable two-week extension of the protests. According to Ekpa, some political leaders are pressuring Kalu to issue such orders, and in response, the region will carry out the extended “Sit-at-Home” as a sign of protest.

He declares, “This coming two-week sit-at-home is non-negotiable, and for those spreading false letters from Nnamdi Kalu, who have been paid to do so, I want to make it abundantly clear that the ongoing and upcoming Sit-at-Home actions are solely aimed at demanding the immediate release of Nnamdi Kalu from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).”

Simon Ekpa, claiming leadership of IPOB, rejects Nnamdi Kalu’s directive to halt “Sit-at-Home” protests and announces a continuation of the protests in the South-East region. He attributes the order from Kalu to political manipulation and asserts that the protests are centered on demanding the release of Nnamdi Kalu from DSS custody.