IPOB Not A Terrorist Organisation, U.S Govt Says

Against the declaration of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation, the United States Government has reacted in the negative.

The reaction by the U.S comes after the Nigerian Military unilaterally declared IPOB as a terrorist organisation after it clashed with the secessionist group few weeks back in Umuahia, Abia State.

“The United States Government is strongly committed to Nigeria’s unity. Important political and economic issues affecting the Nigerian people, such as the allocation of resources, are worthwhile topics for respectful debate in a democracy.

“Within the context of unity, we encourage all Nigerians to support a de-escalation of tensions and peaceful resolution of grievances. The Indigenous People of Biafra is not a terrorist organization under US law,” spokesperson for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, told Sunday PUNCH.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government claimed last week that it had made several efforts to have the London based Radio Biafra shutdown by the British Government.

But the UK Government, in a statement, said, “The UK is not aware of any representation from the Nigerian government about Radio Biafra.

“Were we to receive any such request, we would of course consider it carefully on the basis of the available evidence, recognising that freedom of speech and expression carries responsibilities,” it said.