Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has strongly criticized Biafra agitators who resort to violence against their fellow Igbos to advance their cause. In a recent statement, Edochie emphasized that harming one’s own people is both cowardly and counterproductive. He advocates for peaceful and diplomatic approaches to address the concerns of the Igbo community.
Edochie’s remarks come in response to actions by certain factions within the Biafra movement, notably those enforcing sit-at-home orders in Nigeria’s South-East region. These orders have led to economic disruptions and, in some instances, violence against residents who do not comply. Edochie argues that such tactics only serve to divide the community and hinder the realization of Biafra’s objectives.
In a direct message to Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based self-proclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Edochie stated: “Dear Simon Ekpa, ‘sit at home’ will not bring Biafra. Suffering your own people will not bring Biafra. Nigeria wasn’t joined by Emeka or Chioma; Nigeria was joined by the British Government for their own personal reasons. Therefore, suffering your people to make a point is of no use.”
He further emphasized the importance of unity and love among the Igbo people, stating that achieving Biafra requires peaceful and diplomatic methods to make the world hear their voice. “Using violence on your people will only bring division. And a divided house can never achieve anything meaningful,” Edochie added.
This is not the first time Edochie has spoken out on this issue. In October 2021, he appealed to the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu and Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho, advocating for dialogue as a means to establish peace and unity in the country. He stated, “A country that already has so many challenges facing it, the use of dialogue in this issue will go a long way in establishing peace and unity.”
In February 2022, Edochie reiterated his stance, calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and urging the government to listen to the grievances of its people. He tweeted, “In a multi-tribal country like Nigeria, there’ll always be agitation from different quarters. To keep the country united, you should listen to your people, know why they’re agitating, and resolve it peacefully. Not by the use of force.”
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