The Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa, has criticized President Bola Tinubu and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, for paying tribute to former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, on his 90th birthday.
Ekpa made his remarks over the weekend through a statement on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, responding to the tributes from Tinubu and Obi.
In his message, Tinubu acknowledged Gowon’s contributions to Nigeria, noting that the former military leader served the nation meritoriously. Similarly, Obi praised Gowon, saying, “Your life of service to our great nation, Nigeria, stands as one of sacrifice, leadership, and unity.”
However, Ekpa, known for his pro-Biafra stance, described the tributes as a “disgrace.”
He argued that Gowon was responsible for the deaths of many Biafrans during the Nigerian Civil War, which lasted from 1967 to 1970. Ekpa further questioned Gowon’s decision to live in the United Kingdom rather than remain in Nigeria.
“Tinubu is a disgrace for his tribute to Gowon. Gowon killed Biafrans for one Nigeria, and at 90, he is not proudly staying in Nigeria but ran to the UK. While the people he killed are returning at 70, he is running to London. Our happiness is that we banned him from entering Biafraland, and he chickened out. He should come if he is a man,” Ekpa stated.
Reacting to Obi’s tribute, Ekpa added, “Nigeria will happen to you, and it will not be long. Just as you are proudly confessing it, those following you will also talk like they usually talk when Nigeria happens to others.”
It is worth noting that Obi faced criticism from some of his supporters following his tribute to Gowon.
