Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, has applauded the recent arrest of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland. Abaribe described the development as a positive step toward addressing the unrest in Nigeria’s South-East region.
In his statement, Abaribe emphasized that Ekpa’s arrest could serve as a deterrent to others inciting violence under the guise of advocating for Biafra. He noted that Ekpa and his supporters have been exploiting the agitation for personal and criminal activities in the region.
Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Abaribe remarked:
“The arrest of Simon Ekpa is a very welcome development. It sends a clear message to those at home who propagate violence and follow Ekpa’s directives. Interestingly, Ekpa himself admitted he is just a content creator, not someone serious about his claims.”
He further asserted that Ekpa’s actions do not align with the values of the Igbo people, stating:
“We have consistently condemned his activities. What he represents is contrary to what Ndigbo stand for. The IPOB’s original quest for a peaceful referendum has been hijacked by criminals causing mayhem in the South-East.”
Abaribe Criticizes New Presidential Jet Purchase
On a different note, Senator Abaribe also criticized the Presidency over the controversial purchase of a new presidential jet, which has drawn significant backlash from Nigerians.
The federal government recently acquired a refurbished Airbus A330 for President Bola Tinubu, sparking outrage due to the timing of the purchase amidst the country’s economic challenges. Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga defended the move, clarifying that the aircraft was not newly manufactured.
However, Abaribe expressed discontent with how the acquisition was handled, stating that the National Assembly was neither consulted nor presented with a request for approval before the purchase.
“I am a member of the National Assembly, and I can say categorically that no one brought anything to us for approval regarding the purchase of a new plane. There was no document, no discussion—nothing,” Abaribe said.
He accused the Presidency of sidelining the legislative arm, undermining its role as a check on executive power. The senator urged greater transparency in future dealings to ensure accountability in government expenditures.
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