The Simon Ekpa-led United States of Biafra (USB) has formally written to President Bola Tinubu, requesting recognition of its self-declared sovereignty.
In a three-page open letter, signed and released on X on Monday by Ekpa’s deputy, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, the group claimed that Biafra’s redeclaration was carried out in Finland during a convention on November 29, 2024, where over 50 million Biafrans reportedly participated in a referendum.
Orabueze, identified as the Acting Head of State and Deputy Prime Minister of USB, stated that the move aligns with the United Nations convention on the creation of states.
Addressing Tinubu, she wrote:
“Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), on behalf of the Government of the United States of Biafra (formerly known as the Republic of Biafra), we extend our cordial greetings to you.
“The government of the United States of Biafra is reaching out to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and key stakeholders to formally notify and introduce the newly restored sovereignty of the United States of Biafra, which originally gained independence on May 30, 1967.”
According to the letter, the redeclaration of Biafra took place in Lahti, Finland, with participants adopting the new name, “The United States of Biafra,” which the group claims consists of 40 states.
The statement further asserted that the declaration followed an extensive referendum process conducted from February 1 to November 28, 2024, through both electronic and physical voting.
Referencing international law, Orabueze cited the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States, arguing that Biafra meets the criteria for statehood, including population, governance, foreign relations, territorial control, and respect for human rights.
“Even before recognition, a state has the right to defend its integrity and independence, organize its governance, and engage in diplomatic relations,” she added.
The group expressed its commitment to establishing diplomatic ties with other nations, in line with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and pledged to promote transparency, economic development, and the rule of law.
It further urged Nigeria to engage in “constructive dialogue” towards what it described as a “peaceful and sustainable dissolution” that ensures mutual respect and security for both sides.
Orabueze also claimed that some UN member states, including Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Zambia, have recognized Biafra, and she urged Nigeria to follow suit.
“The United States of Biafra has come to stay, and our arms are open to receive Nigeria for a constructive dialogue,” the letter concluded.
The Nigerian government has not yet responded to the group’s request.
