The United States Government has stated that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) is not a terrorist organisation under US law.
This was revealed by the spokesman for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, in response to enquiries by SUNDAY PUNCH which asked if the United States sees IPOB as a terrorist organisation.
Responding, Brooks stated that the US government does not view IPOB as a terrorist group but declared that the US was committed to Nigeria’s unity and would support a peaceful resolution of any crisis in the country.
“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,” Brooks stated.
“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.”
Brooks did not state the US’ position on the agitation for a Biafran state and declined to comment on whether the Federal Government had asked it to treat IPOB as a terrorist organisation and to block money sent to IPOB from the US.
It could be recalled that the Federal High Court in Abuja, last Wednesday, gave a judicial backing the executive order of President Muhammadu Buhari, outlawing IPOB declaring that the activities of the group constituted acts of terrorism.
Brooks did not state the US’ position on the agitation for a Biafran state and declined to comment on whether the Federal Government had asked it to treat IPOB as a terrorist organisation and to block money sent to IPOB from the US.
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