The lawmaker representing Abia South, Senator Abaribe, said the arrest of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland is a welcome development.

The lawmaker stated that the arrest would deter purveyors of violence in the southeast region from continuing the mayhem being unleashed in the region.

According to him, Ekpa and his supporters are hiding behind the Biafra agitation to perpetrate crimes in the region.

In an interview with Channels TV, Abaribe said: “The arrest of Simon Ekpa is something that is very very welcome because this will tell all those people at home, who are purveyors of violence and instigated by Simon Ekpa that he actually said that he is just a content creator and not a serious person.

“We have always said that his activities in South East are totally wrong and not what Ndigbo stands for.

“The quest by the IPOB seeking non-violence referendum was turned by all these criminals. They are using IPOB to cause mayhem in the South-East.”

The Nigerian military said its troops of Operation Udo Ka have neutralised several suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its security wing, the Eastern Security Network, ESN, in Imo State.

The Nigerian Army Headquarters stated this in a post on its official Facebook page on Monday.

The post said the operation was carried out along the Ekeututu–Ihiteunansa Road in Orsu Local Government Area of the state.

According to the post: “During the operation, the troops encountered suspected IPOB/ESN members. In the ensuing engagement, several of the suspected criminals were neutralized.

“Captured items included pump-action guns, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and IED-making materials, as well as charms.

“The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General OO Oluyede, commended the troops for their gallantry and urged them to sustain their efforts in eliminating criminal elements from their hideouts.

“He also reassured the peace-loving people of the South East to carry on with their daily activities without fear.”

The family of the late Senator Ifeanyi Ubah has reiterated its allegations that the Nigerian Senate failed to provide adequate support for the burial arrangements of the late legislator, who represented Anambra South Senatorial District. These claims have sparked a public dispute with the Senate over its role in the funeral proceedings.

Earlier reports by POLITICS NIGERIA highlighted the Senate leadership’s apparent absence from the funeral, with no key representative sent and no financial contributions made, which the family says goes against traditional expectations.

Allegations Against the Senate

The family has accused the Senate leadership, under President Godswill Akpabio, of neglecting to set up a committee to liaise with the bereaved family or offer financial support for burial logistics. They also criticized the low attendance at the funeral, with only nine out of 109 senators reportedly present.

A family source said, “The claim that 100 senators attended the night of tribute on November 18, 2024, in Abuja is false. Less than 30 senators were present. We challenge the Senate Spokesman to provide video or pictorial evidence to back his claims.”

Senate’s Response

Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, refuted the family’s allegations, stating that the Senate had honored Senator Ubah with a valedictory session attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima and other dignitaries. He further emphasized that the Senate paid its respects by dedicating an entire legislative day to honor the late senator.

Family Rebuttal and Additional Claims

The family, however, found these efforts insufficient and accused the Senate leadership of prioritizing other events over their late colleague’s funeral. They pointed out that on the same day as the funeral in Nnewi, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other senators attended the wedding of a colleague’s daughter in Lagos.

A source from the family revealed, “On August 17, 2024, the Senate President led a delegation of four Senators to the wedding of Senator Victor Umeh’s daughter in Lagos, despite the funeral taking place in Nnewi. He only paid a condolence visit to the Ubah family in Lagos on the same day.”

The family also strongly refuted the Senate’s claim that 100 senators attended the tribute event in Abuja on November 18. “It is a big lie that 100 Senators attended the night of tribute. The senators who attended did not exceed 30, despite the event being held in Abuja,” the family source said.

They further demanded transparency from the Senate, urging it to provide proof of any financial contributions or substantial participation in the burial arrangements.

Context of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah’s Passing

Senator Ubah, a key member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), passed away in July 2024 while in London. His death was widely mourned, given his prominent role as a philanthropist, businessman, and politician.

Call for Clarity

The Ubah family has maintained that the Senate’s actions during the burial lacked the respect due to a serving senator. They continue to call for the Senate Spokesman to present verifiable evidence to address these claims, insisting on accountability to the public.