The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced the sack of its Radio Biafra broadcaster, Simon Ekpa, for allegedly failing to adhere to laid-down rules of operation. Ekpa was recently appointed a director of Radio Biafra by IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, after his arrest and current detention in Abuja, the Nigerian capital.
A statement on Wednesday by IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, accused Ekpa of refusing to sign the rules of engagement and code of conduct guiding those broadcasting on Radio Biafra.
The statement partly reads: “The global family of the Indigenous people of Biafra, (IPOB), ably led by our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has observed with regrets, that Mazi Simon Ekpa whom our leader gave an appointment and duty to start broadcasting on Radio Biafra doesn’t want to follow the laid down rules of operation in Radio Biafra.
“Our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu gave the directive while in detention but Mazi Simon Ekpa has refused to follow the principles.
“Mazi Simon Ekpa has refused to sign the rules of engagement and code of conduct guiding those broadcasting on Radio Biafra. We don’t understand why Mazi Ekpa would not like to follow the steps of other broadcasters on the platform who have since done the needful.
“IPOB is a big movement, and cannot just change the rules because of one individual as this may set a bad precedence. Mazi Simon Ekpa is hardworking Biafran whose immense contributions towards the restoration of Biafra are highly appreciated, but for not signing the code of conduct as a broadcaster on Radio Biafra, he may not continue to have the opportunity of broadcasting via the platform.”
IPOB said the decision was not intended to ridicule or undermine anyone but to prove to all that due process cannot be compromised in IPOB.
It insisted that IPOB is a well-structured movement where activities of members are regulated with well-thought-out rules.
“No one should act in a way that suggests that the laws are meant for certain group of people.
“While Mazi Simon Ekpa has the right to make his broadcasts on Facebook and other platforms of his choice, he may no longer broadcast on Radio Biafra as one of the official broadcasters,” the statement added.