Date: 19/11/2025
The South East Patriots (SEP) condemn in strong terms the recent comments made by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, regarding the Federal Government’s effort to secure the lawful prison transfer of Senator Ike Ekweremadu from the United Kingdom to Nigeria under established international protocols.
Falana’s remarks were legally unfounded, factually inaccurate, and recklessly delivered, especially for a senior lawyer who should understand the frameworks governing international prison-transfer arrangements. Rather than informing the public, his statements misled and inflamed, offering no value to responsible national discourse.

Irresponsible Commentary That Fuels Dangerous Narratives

SEP expresses deep concern that unguarded and ill-informed comments of this nature play directly into the hands of those who spread the toxic and false narrative of systemic hostility toward Ndi Igbo. At a time when unity and national stability demand careful and informed speech, Falana’s intervention was both unnecessary and harmful.
Such inflammatory statements widen ethnic divides, embolden those who thrive on prejudice, and undermine the principles of fairness and justice.

Citizen Diplomacy: How Accountable Nations Treat Their Citizens Abroad

If Senator Ike Ekweremadu were a British parliamentarian who encountered legal trouble in Nigeria, the British Government would not rest until he was defended, protected, and returned home. Strong nations stand by their citizens—especially those who have served their country.
This is not theory; it is global practice.
When Mark Thatcher, son of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, was arrested in Equatorial Guinea over involvement in an attempted coup d’état—one of the gravest offences possible—the British Government intervened. Despite his admission of wrongdoing, Britain ensured his release and return.
That is the essence of citizen diplomacy: a nation protecting its citizens abroad, not because it condones their actions, but because it recognises its duty to safeguard their rights, dignity, and humane treatment.
Nigeria must not be the exception.

Commendation to the Federal Government

SEP commends the Federal Government of Nigeria for acting responsibly and humanely in seeking the prison transfer of a Nigerian citizen who devoted decades of his life to national service without blemish until this unfortunate episode. Prison transfer does not overturn conviction—it simply ensures that a Nigerian citizen serves the remainder of his sentence under a recognised bilateral framework.
This is not favouritism; it is a sovereign duty.

SEP’s Position

The South East Patriots reaffirm that:
  • All Nigerians, including those from the South East, deserve fair and humane treatment everywhere in the world.
  • Legal and humanitarian interventions must not be twisted into ethnic or political controversy.
  • Public figures must avoid careless statements that inflame ethnic suspicion or reinforce harmful stereotypes.
  • National conversations must be grounded in clarity, truth, and the rule of law.

Conclusion

Nigeria requires informed and responsible leadership—not grandstanding. Comments like Falana’s are precisely the kind of careless interventions that have fueled the growth of insecurity in the South East. Those promoting self-serving separatist agendas seize on such statements for maximum propaganda advantage, using them to manipulate public sentiment and deepen mistrust. Leaders of Falana’s stature should know better. At a time when responsible citizenship is required, the Federal Government deserves commendation, not condemnation, for standing up for a Nigerian citizen in line with lawful international mechanisms.
SEP calls on Mr. Falana to exercise restraint, ensure his public statements are rooted in fact and law, and desist from comments that deepen national fault lines. The nation deserves a more thoughtful standard of engagement.
Signed:
Obunike C. Ohaegbu
National Coordinator, South East Patriots (SEP)