United States Government has said it does not consider Indigenous
People of Biafra a terrorist organisation.
Last week, the Federal High Court in Abuja gave a judicial backing
the executive order of President Muhammadu Buhari, outlawing the group and its
activities in the country.
The court granted the order to proscribe the group on Wednesday.
It declared that the activities of the group constituted acts of
terrorism.
The Federal Government also accused France and the United Kingdom
of aiding IPOB activities.
Spokesperson for American Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Russell Brooks,
said on Friday that the US government does not view IPOB as a terrorist group.
He said this in response to our correspondent’s email which asked
if the United States sees IPOB as a terrorist organisation.
Brooks stated further that the US was committed to Nigeria’s unity
and would support a peaceful resolution of any crisis in the country.
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.”
The US embassy, however, 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.
Brooks also did not state the US’ position on the agitation for a
Biafran state.
Speaking after the court judgment last week, the Attorney General
of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, said the
Federal Government would proceed to gazette the order proscribing the group.
Punch
No comments: