The Simon Ekpa-led United States of Biafra has written to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, seeking recognition.

This was contained in a letter signed and released on X on Monday by Ekpa’s second in command, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze.

The three-page open letter claimed that the redeclaration of Biafra was done in Finland during a convention with over 50 million Biafrans voting for a referendum on November 29, 2024.

According to Orabueze, known as the Acting Head of State and Deputy Prime Minister, USB, the letter was in line with the United Nations convention on the creation of states.

She wrote: “Dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), on behalf of the Government of the United States of Biafra (formally known as the Republic of Biafra), we extend our cordial greetings to you.

“The government of the United States of Biafra is contacting the Federal Republic of Nigeria and stakeholders to notify and introduce the newly restored sovereignty of the United States of Biafra, which gained its independence on May 30, 1967, and was officially known as the Republic of Biafra.

“The redeclaration of the Republic of Biafra took place in a significant event in Lahti, Finland, on 29th November 2024, during a convention where Biafrans from all around the world gathered to proclaim the restoration of Biafra’s 1967 independence and officially adopted its new name, The United States of Biafra.’ The Biafran nation comprises 40 states.

“The redeclaration follows a series of organised efforts, mainly by way of referendum carried out in the period from 1st February to 28th November 2024, utilising both electronic and physical voting methods. This referendum engaged over 50 million participants, reflecting a substantial commitment to self-determination among the Biafra people.

“We remind you that the United Nations’ 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States sets forth the criteria to establish statehood.

“Under Article 1, namely: population, government, the ability to enter into foreign relations, control of territory, and respect for human rights and self-determination. Biafra fulfils all the criteria.

“Even before recognition, the state has the right to defend its integrity and independence, to provide for its conservation and prosperity and consequently to organise itself as it sees fit, to legislate upon its interests, to administer its services, and to define the jurisdiction and competence of its courts.

“The exercise of these rights has no other limitation than the exercise of the rights of other states according to international law.

“Our experience has shown that there is no alternative path to having achieved independence than to be vocal and visible in our demands. We must continue to raise our voices, assert our rights, and mobilise collective action to bring attention to our cause as we continue to defend the sovereignty of the United States of Biafra.

“The United States of Biafra is dedicated to establishing robust diplomatic ties with nations worldwide, promoting respect and cooperation in accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

“We are committed to cultivating a transparent and accountable governance framework, eliminating corruption, and ensuring the rule of law. Our goal is, among others, for the citizens of the United States of Biafra to thrive, reach their full potential, and contribute to the nation’s growth and development.

“The United States of Biafra has come to stay, and our arms are open to receive Nigeria for a constructive dialogue in pursuant of a peaceful and sustainable dissolution that aims at achieving a harmonious and safe disintegration with mutual respect for both countries’ citizens and territorial sovereignty. We are officially reaching out to establish bilateral relations with the Nigerian government in accordance with the principles of diplomacy.

“Achieving a peaceful dissolution is fundamental for our future as neighbours and will undeniably foster deals of mutual benefit for the well-being and prosperity of our citizens.

“The United States of Biafra continues to be recognised by other United Nations members (Gabon, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Zambia). We seek Nigeria’s acknowledgement and respect for our sovereignty, advocacy for our nationhood, and cooperation in ascertaining and maintaining security on our common borders.

“As a new nation open for mutual and favourable relations, the United States of Biafra is committed to fostering an environment designed to attract local and foreign investments, stimulate innovation, and create opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation. We will provide a secure and transparent business climate with streamlined regulations and investment incentives.

“By so doing, we aspire to become a hub for trade, commerce, and industry, leveraging our strategic location, abundant resources, and skilled workforce to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and improve our citizens’ overall quality of life.”