The Biafra Struggle: Moving the Battle to U.S. Soil

The leader of the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, has escalated the quest for Biafran independence by taking the movement to the international stage. In a bold move to secure global support and recognition, Ekpa, who identifies as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile (BRGIE), has signed a significant lobbying deal with the US-based firm Moran Global Strategies (MGS).

The agreement, valued at $130,000 (approximately ₦205 million), is designed to facilitate high-level advocacy and strategic engagement with key stakeholders in Washington, D.C. This includes outreach to lawmakers, policymakers, and influential think tanks, all aimed at advancing the cause for an independent state of Biafra.

This development marks a new chapter in the long-standing campaign for Biafran independence, as Ekpa seeks to leverage international platforms to highlight the grievances and aspirations of the Biafran people. The move could potentially bring renewed global attention to the Biafran struggle, which has often been overshadowed on the international stage.

According to a report by Premium Times, the Finland-based agitator initiated the process in June 2024, when he engaged the services of MGS, a firm owned by former US lawmaker James Moran. The agreement was formalized with Mr. Moran signing on behalf of MGS on June 10, 2024, and Mr. Ekpa signing on behalf of the BRGIE on June 12, 2024.

Per the terms of the contract, BRGIE is obligated to pay MGS a monthly fee of $10,000 (approximately ₦15.8 million) for the services rendered. The contract commenced on June 15, 2024, and is set to conclude on June 14, 2025, with the possibility of annual renewal. Monthly payments are due in advance on the first day of each month and must be settled by the 15th.

The primary objective of this lobbying effort is to persuade both the US government and the private sector to support the secession of Biafra from Nigeria. The contract outlines that MGS will provide strategic advice and facilitate interactions with appropriate members of the US Executive and Legislative branches, as well as with third-party interests.

Under the agreement, MGS is tasked with promoting the narrative that an independent Biafra, under the stewardship of the BRGIE, would be a strong ally of the United States and a bulwark against Islamic terrorism in the region. Additionally, MGS will work to educate US and non-US stakeholders on critical issues pertaining to the Nigerian government, including human rights abuses, religious freedom violations, the rise of Islamic fundamentalism within Nigeria, and the Nigerian government’s alignment with US adversaries.

The contract further emphasizes that the US government should be encouraged to engage with the BRGIE directly, through advocacy by the US Congress and other influential bodies, including faith-based and human rights organizations, as well as think tanks.

As Simon Ekpa continues to push the Biafran agenda on a global scale, it remains to be seen how this new phase of international lobbying will impact the longstanding quest for Biafran independence. The move signals a significant shift in strategy, as the battle for Biafra’s future increasingly takes place on the world stage.