Simon Ekpa
Simon Ekpa (born 21 March 1985) is a Nigerian-born Finnish lawyer, political activist and former athlete. He is one of  the current leaders of the Biafra independence movement, He is the designated Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) organization.

Life and career 
Ekpa was born on 21 March 1985 in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He won a silver medal for Nigeria in 100 meters in the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon. Ekpa has lived in Lahti, Finland since 2007. He is a member of the National Coalition Party of Finland, and was a candidate in the 2022 Finnish county elections.

Education 
After completing his high school education, he enrolled at Aberystwyth University to pursue a Master's degree in Law. He also went to Canyon College for additional studies.

Awards 
On 25 May 2023 at the African Day Celebration in Helsinki, Finland, the Universal Peace Federation awarded Ekpa Ambassador for Peace.

Criticism 
According to a report from Yle, Ekpa's activism started to gather mainstream attention in February 2023. The local Kokoomus parti in Lahti stated that they have started an internal investigation of these claims. Orji Anya Odim, representing the association Igbo Union Finland, stated in the same interview, "He should stop inciting hatred and provoking. Ekpa does not represent the Igbo people of Finland". The Nigerian government has also demanded Finland stop Ekpa's activities. Yle interviews with residents of Enugu suggested extensive fear of Ekpa and compliance with his "stay at home" orders involving the coming Nigerian election. In late February 2023 Yle reported Ekpa is being suspected of having raised funds in an illegal manner by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation.

Activism 
Ekpa was made lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra, associated with the separatist organisation Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after the arrest of political activist Nnamdi Kanu. However, Ekpa was not allowed to broadcast on radio citing violation of the rules of the organisation.

As of 2023, he has been called the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). The Nigerian Daily Post has in different articles referred to him both as "Prime Minister" and "self-acclaimed Prime Minister". Ekpa stated in 2023 that "Biafra Republic Government In-Exile is registered, approved and legal. Agent of Nigeria, take note!". 

In December 2022, Ekpa ordered a five-day sit at home civil disobedience campaign in the southeast and parts of southern Nigeria (Biafra) from 9-14 December. On June 14, 2023, Ekpa announced a week-long sit at home campaign from 3-10 July 2023. which according to whistler.ng, recorded 70% compliance.

See also
Indigenous People of Biafra
Nnamdi Kanu
Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra

References 

1985 births
People from Biafra
Living people
Nigerian activists
Nigerian male sprinters
Nigerian expatriates in Finland
National Coalition Party politicians
People from Ebonyi State