In a significant statement, Prophet Godwin Ikuru of the Jehovah Eye Salvation Ministry has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the leadership issue within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Prophet Ikuru emphasized that the release of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, should not proceed unless Simon Ekpa is also brought back to Nigeria and included in the resolution process.

Responding to appeals from Southeast governors and senators for Kanu’s release, Prophet Ikuru highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach. He described Kanu and Ekpa as “cancer 1 and cancer 2,” indicating that both are substantial threats to the nation’s stability. “Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa are like cancers ravaging Nigeria. It would be treacherous and extremely menacing to release Kanu without first addressing the issue of Ekpa. While Kanu has been in custody, Ekpa has continued to perpetrate violence and unrest in the East,” Ikuru stated.

Prophet Ikuru urged Southeast governors and senators to include Ekpa in their negotiations to ensure a lasting solution. “Include Simon Ekpa in the bargain to ensure that insecurity and killings in the East cease ultimately. I’m not opposed to Kanu’s release if Ekpa is also addressed. I ended the sit-at-home orders in the East because it was more a spiritual issue than a physical one. Peace must return to the East,” he added.

This call for a dual approach underscores the need for a holistic solution to the ongoing unrest in Nigeria’s Southeast region, highlighting the importance of addressing all key figures involved in the conflict to achieve lasting peace and stability.