The Embattled Leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has sacked Mazi Simon Ekpa as Biafra radio broadcaster.
Kanu who was recently arrested by the Nigerian government over his seccession agitation disclosed the development in a statement by his Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful.
The IPOB leader gave the directive even while in DSS detention.
The group while citing reason for his relieve, said Ekpa was sacked over failure to follow laid down rules of operation adding that he has refused to sign the rules of engagement and code of conduct guiding those broadcasting on Radio Biafra.
IPOB, however noted that the development was not to ridicule him, rather to prove to all that due process could not be compromised in IPOB as a well-structured movement.
The statement reads partly: “The global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has observed with regrets, that Mazi Simon Ekpa whom our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu 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.
“This decision was not intended to ridicule or undermine anyone but to prove to all that due process cannot be compromised in IPOB. 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.”
