Hon Matthew Okorie, a prominent Igbo leader residing in Finland, has expressed his willingness to facilitate a meeting between Simon Ekpa, a leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the leadership of the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, South East governors, and stakeholders.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The aim of the meeting is to address the prevailing insecurity and disruptive sit-at-home protests that have adversely impacted the South East region’s economy….CONTINUE READING
Ekpa, known for advocating Biafran self-determination, has been instrumental in organizing weekly sit-at-home protests in the South East. These protests, intended to draw attention to the detention of IPOB leader Mazi Nnamdi Kalu, have caused economic paralysis in the region.
From his location in Finland, Hon Matthew Okorie, a former candidate for the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, has voiced his concerns about the insecurity in the region and the need for peaceful resolution.
He believes that Simon Ekpa, though seen as unapproachable by some, is open to peaceful negotiations and that issues of marginalization can be addressed without resorting to violence.
Okorie refuted claims that Ekpa’s agitation is influenced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for political gains, asserting that Ekpa is genuinely interested in peaceful solutions. Okorie is eager to facilitate a dialogue between Ekpa and Igbo leaders to end the sit-at-home protests, which have resulted in loss of lives, property, and billions of Naira in economic losses.
The 730-day sit-at-home exercise, beginning on August 9, 2021, has incurred substantial economic losses estimated at N7.6 trillion in the South East, with 105 Mondays out of 520 working days affected by the protest.
Hon Matthew Okorie is ready to play his part in brokering a meeting between Ekpa and Igbo leaders in Finland, echoing the sentiment of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, who has also expressed the intention to engage in a face-to-face discussion with Ekpa. Iwuanyanwu seeks an opportunity to understand Ekpa’s grievances and work towards finding lasting solutions to the disruptive sit-at-home orders.
With a sense of urgency due to the dire situation in the South East, Hon Matthew Okorie aims to facilitate a meaningful dialogue that can lead to peace and prosperity in the region.
