The Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa, has denied claims that he announced a $57.5 billion loan from the World Bank to support the Biafra government, allegedly facilitated by Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former finance minister.
Ekpa issued the clarification in a statement on Thursday, distancing himself from a viral post circulating on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The controversy began when Okonjo-Iweala, who currently serves as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), refuted the claim, describing it as fake. She noted that the post originated from an impersonated handle bearing Ekpa’s name.
“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. Again, I enjoin all those seeking to misuse my name to desist,” Okonjo-Iweala stated on Thursday via her official X handle.
In his response, Ekpa denied ever making the alleged statement, adding that it was fabricated.
“I never tweeted such. It is even surprising that you [Okonjo-Iweala] would respond because your name was mentioned. We have been tweeting about the terrorism in Nigeria against your people, yet you never responded or showed any remorse,” Ekpa stated.
He continued, “Here you are, defending what nonentities did with your name but remaining silent about the killings carried out by the government you served. I congratulate you for always defending yourself and your integrity, even when things are photoshopped.”
Ekpa further stressed that the post attributed to him was “false and fake,” emphasizing that he had no connection to it.
