US Refuses To Consider “IPOB A Terrorist Organisation”

The authorities of the United States have said it does not consider the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation.
The Nigerian government had wielded the big stick on the pro-Biafra group, last Friday, as the defence headquarters (DHQ) declared IPOB a “militant terrorist” organisation. South-east governors subsequently issued a statement, proscribing the group.

The military has come under severe criticism for the declaration, coupled with a statement credited to the Senate President Bukola Saraki, which described the action of the military and the governors as unconstitutional.
However, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, sanctioned the proscription, in a move that is aimed to take the heat off the army and to ensure that due process is followed.
It is understood that Buhari signed the proclamation on Sunday before his departure for New York, after which a federal high court in Abuja upheld the declaration.
However, while speaking with The PUNCH on Friday, the spokesman for the US embassy, Russell Brooks, pleaded with Nigerians to resolve their grievances peacefully, adding that the US government does not view IPOB as a terrorist group.

He said, “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 organisation under US law.”

It would be recalled, France had denied allegations by the Nigerian government that the financial headquarters of the proscribed IPOB is located in the country.