Petroleum Industry Governance: I was offered bribe to kill bill – Alasoadura

Senator Tayo Alasoadura, Chairman, Senate Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), says he was offered bribe to kill the Petroleum Industry Governance Bill (PIGB). The senator representing Ondo Central, however, said he rejected the bribe for sake of posterity. “The politics behind it was more than what you had to do to get the bill passed. In fact, there was a day I was abused by a set of people who came to lobby me for the bill not to be passed. “They offered me money but I said no, that the little money I have that God has provided for me is enough to cater for my well-being and that of my family”, Alasoadura said in his constituency office in Akure. “The politics, lobbying and so on from those who did not want the bill to see the light of the day was terrible. Unless you can withstand pressure, you won’t be able to do what I did. “By the time we were to take the bill to the floor of the Senate for passage, we booked for three days because we thought it would be stormy. But to the glory of God, the bill was passed in two hours. “This is because I did a lot of underground work like meeting people, convincing them about the need for the bill, especially people who were not satisfied with some areas in the bill. “We then gave them reasons to believe that everything had been taken care of in the bill and that nobody would be shortchanged. At the end of the day, before the final passage of the bill, 52 senators had signed,” he said. Expressing optimism that the bill would soon be passed in the House of Representatives, Alasoadura said the Senate was in the process of passing three other bills relating to petroleum resources which he listed as Administration Bill, Host Community Bill and the Fiscal Bill. “We want to run as fast as we can and see if we can finish all the bills before the end of this year because next year when politics starts and we may not be able to have much concentration as we were doing now.”

Kogi strike: Labour leaders allege threat to lives

The leadership of the organised labour in Kogi State have alleged of threats to their lives over the ongoing strike by the state work force. This was contained in a statement signed by secretaries of NLC, Olakunle Faniyi, Trade Union Congress Comrade Kolawole James and their Joint Public Services negotiating Council counterpart, Comrade Isah Abubakar. The statement alleged that agents of the State Government made up of armed thugs and some overzealous security agents had been on their trail. “The missions of these agents are either to maim or cause bodily harm on the leaders for their role in the successful strike action that has brought government business to a halt through the State,” the statement added. It pointed out that the Government cannot be underated when it comes to staging State violence based on the recent activities of sponsored thugs that attacked the State House of Assembly when honorable members of the House were beaten black and blue under the full glare of security agents who looked the other way. The statement drew the attention of the State commissioner of police and the director, Department of State Services, “to take steps that would forestall their operatives being used as pawn in the hands of the State Government to molest innocent and law abiding citizens of the State.” “On the fake stories trending on some national dailies, the strike called by the organised labour has recorded 100% success wondering how some national dailies would publish fake stories circulated by Government agents that the workers defied the directives of the Union to embark on strike,”‎ it noted. The statement commended workers in the State for their 100% compliance with the strike directive as it urged them to ignore such propaganda machine of the State Government and any form of intimidation. “We call on workers to remain prayerful, law abiding and wait for further directives from organised labour, the almighty God that has been sustaining many of our members without salaries for 21 month would still protect us through this turbulent period,” they added. In a swift reaction the Director General on Media and Publicity to the Governor of Kogi State Fanwo Kingsley said the allegations against government were spurious, unfounded, reckless and irresponsible. “The statement was drafted in the language of their sponsors who have been attempting unsuccessfully to ring violence around the fingers of government. “Let it be placed on record that government has zero tolerance for violence and all forms of criminalties. Government has expended resources to ensure criminalities have no place in the sociology of the state,” he said. He pointed out that the Labour leaders were probably afraid of possible resistance from workers against their self-centered strike which has failed. “Labour leaders should be condemned for deploying thugs to shut the gates of government offices and attacking workers who ignored their unpopular strike. “We have nothing against labour and government position on work for wages has not changed. “We shall do what is legally and administratively valid to ensure government business continues and for our people to continue to enjoy services for which civil servants are paid,”‎ he added. He assured civil servants of their security from the dangerous activities of thugs hired by leaders of labour unions. “On reforms we stand. We will not succumb to the fight back from corrupt promoters of fraudulent practices in the civil service and their failed sponsors. “Workers should return to work and stop making mockery of the highly respected activism for a better society.”

Ekiti youths protest lawmaker’s suspension

Commercial activities and vehicular movements were paralysed at the weekend in Omuo Ekiti, when Ekiti East Local Government youths staged protest against alleged illegal suspension of Mr Ojo-Ade Fajana, representing the area in the state House of Assembly. The Assembly had recently suspended the legislator for a period of 101 legislative days without pay, in the first instance, “except he shows signs of genuine remorse.” While on suspension, he was also barred within one kilometre radius of the Assembly complex and he must submit all properties of Ekiti State House of Assembly in his custody to the clerk of the House. Another member representing Ikole Constituency 1, Mr Gboyega Aribisogan, had earlier been suspended last year over gross misconduct. According to the Chairman, House Committee on Information, (Dr) Samuel Omotoso, the suspension came into force after the disciplinary committee set up by the Speaker, Kola Oluwawole, to investigate Hon Ojo-Ade submitted its report at plenary. However, placard-carrying protesters thronged the major road leading to the local government headquarters, Omuo Ekiti, thereby halting movement of vehicles in and out of the community for several hours. The protesters, who sang solidarity songs, demanded immediate and unconditional reversal of the suspension of Fajana within one week by the Ekiti State House of Assembly. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Comrade Olajide Samuel, who is the President of the group, said that the entire Constituency 1 in Ekiti East Local Government had been denied of representation in the scheme of things at the Assembly. He noted that the reason given by members of the Ekiti State Assembly for the suspension was laughable, unjust and unconstitutional, adding that members of the Assembly were merely acting the script of their principal. Samuel appealed to well meaning Nigerians, including the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, at the National level and National Assembly to call the Ekiti Assembly to order before they threw the State into avoidable crisis. He said: “the youths in this local government came out in their numbers to protest against unjust and illegal suspension of the Honourable representing Ekiti East Local Government Constituency 1, in Ekiti State Assembly. “The suspended member was being persecuted because of his closeness and allegiance to Senator Biodun Olujimi who is also from this community. “We ask whether there is any law in the land, whether in the party constitution, the House Rule or even the 1999 constitution as amended that forbid people from associating with one another. “We came to the conclusion that our representative is being punished because of the governorship ambition of Olujimi which we are aware did not go down well with the power that be in Ekiti government house. “We therefore demand immediate and unconditional reinstatement of lawmaker, in who we are well pleased. If they fail to recall him within one week, they should await further action from us.” Some of the placards read: “Political hostility must be put to an end in Ekiti State, we say no to illegal suspension of our representative at Ekiti State House of Assembly, if you want peace, do the needful and restore Ojo Ade Fajana, our mandate must not be rubbished by the state Assembly, we say no to autocratic rule in Ekiti State.”

Caution your aide against inflammatory statements – Group advises Olubadan

Oyo Development Initiative, ODI, has advised the Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji to caution his media aide, Mr. Adeola Oloko, on what the group described as “his consistent use of abusive, derogatory and denigrating words in reaction to issues, especially to elders”. ODI in a statement signed by its coordinator, Dr. Adesola Okanlawon, copy of which was sent to DAILY POST on Sunday, said that “verbal aggression and words deployed by the Olubadan’s Media Aide in the wake of the Oyo State Government’s 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration review and subsequent elevation of some traditional rulers and Chiefs have been very inflammatory and inciting”. Okanlawon emphasized that such outright disrespect for elders were unknown to Yoruba culture and at a variance with the noble role of the palace in the preservation of culture. He said such disrespectful and abusive use of language ended up heating up and inciting the polity. He noted that a statement credited to Oloko in which he stated that members of the Ibadan Elders’ Forum were serial liars and opportunists “is one taken too far and unbecoming of a Yoruba man to his elders”, emphasising that “his utterances towards the elders on behalf of the palace falls short of both moral and cultural standards of the the Yoruba concept of ‘Omoluabi’”. He then called on the Olubadan to caution Mr. Oloko, noting that the “spoken word possesses strong social and political mobilisation potentials and should be delivered with care and a high sense of responsibility to the audience. He stressed that the language of today should be that of peace and not hate.” He said, “The abusive statements credited to Mr. Oloko against the Ibadan Elders, Traditional chiefs amongst others haven’t helped in any way to douse the tension but rather escalate the disagreements. We all know that Ibadan people know how to resolve their differences. However, seeds of discord sown through verbal and abusive words especially to elders might be irreparable.” “We commend the Ibadan elders for truly being the elders they are. Only true elders can tolerate the insult of the magnitude of being called serial liars and opportunists. “Their decision not to dignify Mr. Oloko with a response is commendable and their names shall be etched in the annals of Ibadan history for towing the line of peace at this crucial time”, he stressed.

What Buhari should do to IPOB, MASSOB, others – Islamic leaders

What Buhari should do to IPOB, MASSOB, others – Islamic leadersSome Islamic leaders have urged the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government to clampdown on members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) who pose serious threat to the country. Admitting that agitation is a form of freedom of expression, the clerics, however, urged government to apprehend and prosecute violent agitators to serve as deterrent to others. The cleric gave the charge at the weekend in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital at the commemoration of the new Islamic calendar (Hijra). Pioneer Grand Khadi, Kwara state Sha’aria Court of Appeal Justice Abdulkadir Orire (rtd) said “the issues of IPOB and MASSOB in the South East must be seriously attended to before they degenerated to undesirable and uncontrollable levels.” “Insecurity is the greatest impediment to industrialisation and growth of other investments which have contributed greatly to unemployment of our youths. “To ameliorate the situation, there is the need to swiftly confront the Boko Haram insurgents headlong, bring back the remaining Chibok girls and others from captivity. Likewise, the Niger Delta militants and kidnappers should not treated with kid gloves. “The military and para-military forces should be fortified and motivated to enhance adequate security of the lives and property of all Nigerians and others resident in Nigeria.” Orire, also the Sarkin Malamai of Ilorin, decried the rampant incidents of ritual killings in many parts of the country. He added that “the menace of killing, selling and buying of human beings for ritual purposes are very rampant nowadays. This act is highly ungodly, un-Islamic, barbaric and sinful.” Current Grand Khadi of the state, Justice Muhammad Abdulkadir condemned at the growing cases of cultism and other anti-social behaviours in the Kwara. “Our children are involved in series of nefarious activities such as cultism, killing of innocent people and kidnapping among others”, he lamented. “Some scholars are engaged in using human beings for ritual purposes all in attempt to get riches by all means. “All these are seriously against the teachings of Islam and what Ilorin and its environs are known for. “We also call on government to set necessary machinery in motion for the protection of lives through regular surveillance of the community particularly at night to ward off the night marauders, who hide under the cloak of darkness to perpetrate evil acts.”

Corruption won’t end in Nigeria until Jesus comes – Prophet Abiara

The immediate past General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet Samuel Abiara has affirmed that corruption will not end in Nigeria until the return of Jesus Christ. Abiara, who recently handed over the mantle of leadership to Prophet Hezekiah Oladeji, said political leaders had looted the nation and kept in bizarre places. He told Punch that, “There is no way corruption will end in Nigeria before Jesus Christ comes. There is corruption everywhere. It is just that the way each country does theirs is different. But it seems the issue of graft in Nigeria is indescribable. It is disheartening the amount of money people steal in Nigeria. “They stole so much and keep them in bizarre places. Why do they do this knowing that one cannot live forever? I have come to realise that looters are only rich compared to wealthy people.” Asked if the country is now worse than how the current administration met it, the cerlic said, “No, I don’t share in that view. One cannot satisfy the world. Even if God gives rain, some people will say it is too much likewise if He makes the weather sunny. God appointed the people in power. “We should know that Rome was not built in a day. Before they got into power, things weren’t too good and they were expected to correct them in a hurry; in a day. I am not a politician. I am neither a member of the Peoples Democratic Party nor of the All Progressives Congress. We support any government in power. I appeal to Nigerians to be patient with them.”

Biafra: Don’t condemn IPOB – Tinubu tells Nigerians

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, has said Nigerians should not condemn but listen and understand the agitations by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He said this while delivering the Keynote speech at the 2017 Annual Dinner of the King’s College Old Boys’ Association (KCOBA) at King’s College, Lagos. The APC leader, who said the cry for separation had gained traction among average people due to the chronic failure of government to meet basic aspirations, however, warned against any attempt to split the country. Tinubu noted that gargantuan challenges were facing the country but explained that they were not enough to call for the dismantling of the federation at a time some parts of the world were taking advantage of integration. He said: “It is a rather curious lapse that a nation with such diversity as ours has not taken the time to give our legal marriage its proper functional underpinning. In other words, we all lined up to call ourselves Nigerian without gathering to discuss what it meant. “Thus, we inhabit a nation that has not sufficiently defined its governance. We may be defined by political borders and boundaries but we have not glued ourselves to collective purpose and vision. Too many of us are born in Nigeria but not of it. “Thus, our society is not a collective enterprise as important to each of us as our own personal endeavor. It is but a platform, an arena, to claim whatever one can by whatever means available. In too many ways we resemble a wrestling match instead of the nation we were ‎meant to become. “Thus, we argue over matters that long ago should have been settled. The longer such fundamental questions fester, the more extreme become the proposed answers. “Thus, we have people clamoring for secession in one part of the country and the murmur of such a course grows stronger in other sections. “These other areas resent that some have advocated secession. Blame and recrimination become the political currency. Statesmanship falls in short supply. The dominant urge is to confront instead of reconcile. “It would be wrong to mistake this for a tempest in a teapot. If not careful, we may be tossed about like a teapot in a tempest. “We must listen to what is being said so that we can determine what is really meant. “Let us be frank. Many who cry separation do so because their personal ambitions will be better served by such a thing. They believe they will have greater chance at political power under a different arrangement. Yet the cry for separation has gained traction among average people; this is due to the chronic failure of government to meet basic aspirations. “If over the years, government had delivered on the promise of growth, prosperity, and justice, those calling for such extreme remedies would be but a small fringe of little consequence. “Our task is not to condemn but to listen and understand. I care not at all for this proposed solution. But I dare not discount the concerns and problems that have led many people into advocating such a thing. “Here, I want to plainly state my position. I am a firm believer in Nigeria. I believe this land will become a great nation and a leader among other African nations. We can resolve our dysfunctions in a manner that will make this nation rise as a standard of decency, justice and prosperity for all Nigerians. “So many excellent people have devoted themselves, even given their very lives, to give life to this nation. I dare not cast aside their hardy and brave work as if it were nothing. Many things we now enjoy and see as good are due to these people. We have benefited from their labor and sacrifice. “Being more pragmatic, separating the nation into small pieces resolves nothing and creates additional problems. The world marches toward integration. Europe, America, Asia seek trade and commercial pacts that will make them more integrated markets. Notwithstanding Brexit, the EU grows more integrated in the functions of governance by the day. Thus, while nations more powerful and developed than us seek to pool their wealth and might, some of us seek to whittle this nation into smaller pieces. “Such a thing would make us more vulnerable to outside influences. We would forfeit our rightful place on the world stage and as a leader of this continent. “Moreover, not every split solves a problem. The political mentality, either good or bad, that defined a group before the split will remain after the divide. If one is imbued with factionalism, that perspective will remain even when the immediate problem is surmounted. Division will manifest differently, but manifest it will. “A new factional bigotry will arise to replace the old. The cycle of tension and unrest will take its inexorable toll. Just ask the people of South Sudan if their woes ended when they left Sudan. “When your heart is geared toward division, you will seek it within a single tribe, even a single family. The gossamer of ethnic unity will be ripped apart by sub-ethnic squabble. An angry man outside his home remains angry inside it as well and a thief steals from both stranger and friend. “Driven by such a mentality, even someone you once called your brother becomes a nuisance, then a burden, and ultimately your enemy in short order. “Thus, I oppose talk of break-up and all other exotic political arrangements tantamount to it. That I am a foe of disunity does not mean I have blinded myself to the truth that our nation is in need of great repair. “We all see the nation for what it is. Some look further to see the nation for what it is not and they rush to condemn it. “I choose to see the nation for what it can be and thus seek to nurture and cultivate it so that this Nigeria may bring forth the fullest blossoming of its riches, resources and ingenuity of its diverse people.”

Biafra: Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB members may perish – Rev. Moses Iloh

Rev. Moses Iloh, founder of Soul Winning Chapel, Ebute Metta, has condemned the manner the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, are going about their agitation. He said the agitators may incur wrath of God because they disrespect their elders which is against the dictate of the Holy Bible. “The youths or IPOB members should be careful. I must say that I have never seen them recognise the elders nor mention God in all their demonstrations so I look at the group as a dangerous group because the Bible says that we should honour our parents for our days to be long on earth”, he told Daily Independent. ‘Who will like to live in a Biafra where these young ones who do not honour the elders are? They will kill all of you. I have watched them they never mention going to one Eze or the other. I think the whole thing is based on ignorance which is deliberate and the problems based on the fact that people have already made up their minds for mischief. ‘They should start the action from the east by calling the attention of their governors and putting the governors to order peacefully. But no everybody is crazy. But anyone killed is gone anyway. “I don’t believe in Biafra now because right from day one to zero I was in Biafra. The situation is such that there is too much bitterness, acrimony and misrepresentation so what should be done is to have the nation get through the healing process then if Nigeria wants to break if you have a unitary form of government, you can chat over it and see how it goes. “But if the youths are clever and put pressure on their governors, if the states are developed with good universities and scholarships nobody talks about going together or going apart because everybody is moving and who has time for intricacies. But if someone comes to you and lie, you foolishly follow the person.”

Lebron James slams Trump over comments on NFL players

United States President, Donald Trump received backlash from Basketball sensation, Lebron James over comments on NFL players and disinvite to the White House. Trump on Saturday said NFL players who do not stand for national anthem should be fired while rescinding an invite for a White House invitation. The traditional visit by NBA champion, Golden State Warriors, was reportedly withdrawn because of Stephen Curry’s public opposition to Trump. Trump tweeted “Going to the White House is considered a great honor for a championship team. Stephen Curry is hesitating, therefore invitation is withdrawn! “If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect. “Our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU’RE FIRED. Find something else to do!” In reply, three-time NBA champion, Lebron slammed Trump, saying invitation to the White house is no longer a great honour since he was elected into office. “U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain’t going! So therefore ain’t no invite. “Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!” Lebron wrote via his twitter page.

Corruption not Nigeria’s problem – Falana tells Nigerian govt

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has said he disagrees with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government which claims corruption is root cause of Nigeria’s under-development. According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), every capitalist society like Nigeria is built on corruption, fraud and exploitation, and that is why developed countries of the Europe and America are much more corrupt than African countries. He said that it is out of sheer hypocrisy that leaders and the media in western countries say that Nigerians are corrupt and Buhari government swallows that statement hook, line and sinker. Recall that former British Prime Minister, David Cameron, described Nigeria as a ‘fantastically corrupt’ country ahead of an anti-corruption summit in London in 2016. However, Falana told Punch newspaper: “With respect, I totally disagree with such reductionist conclusion that say corruption is the root cause of the nation’s under-development. “To the best of my knowledge, every capitalist society is built on corruption, fraud and exploitation. Western countries are much more corrupt than African countries. Hence, all the funds looted from the treasuries of other nations are kept in the vaults of the banks in the West. “But out of sheer hypocrisy, the leaders and the media in western countries say that we are corrupt and our rulers swallow (that) hook, line and sinker. For two and half years, President “Buhari has been begging the West to repatriate our stolen wealth. In spite of promises (made by the West), not a single dime has been recovered and repatriated. “Chapter 2 of the constitution on socioeconomic rights did not have a capitalist society in mind. Hence, a duty has been imposed on the government to abolish corrupt practices and control the means of production and exchange. If social services are funded by the government and the people are empowered to manage their own affairs there will be little or nothing left to steal. That is why a socialist system is less corrupt as the entire wealth of the nation goes for servicing the people. “But if you go around saying that government cannot fund education, build hospitals, tar roads, construct railways, etc., you are inviting the plutocrats in government to engage in the criminal diversion of public funds. “No doubt, President Buhari is committed to the anti-corruption crusade than his predecessors. Through the introduction of the TSA (Single Treasury Account) the Federal Government has saved huge funds. “Through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, trillions of naira have been recovered. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences and the Code of Conduct Bureau are being re-organised even though rather belatedly. “Owing to the failure of the National Assembly to pass the bill for the establishment of a special court to determine corruption cases, the Chief Justice, the Honourable Justice Walter Onnoghen, has directed all heads of courts to create special courts to hear corruption cases. This will go a long way to ensure that pending corruption cases are speedily determined. “Although these initiatives are coming rather late in the day, they are going to assist the administration to deliver on the promise to expose and indict a number of corrupt elements in the society. “But mind you, no government can successfully fight corruption without involving the people who are the victims of corruption. “To that extent, the celebration of criminality by the media has to stop. Religious, traditional and educational institutions have to stop honouring men and women of questionable pedigree. “The staff and student unions in the campuses have to monitor funds allocated for the development of our institutions. The labour unions have to monitor the federal, state and local governments with a view to blocking leakages and exposing corrupt officials.”  

10 things you need to know this Sunday morning

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers 1. The All Progressives Congress, APC, Enugu State chapter, has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office ahead of the 2019 general elections. State chairman of APC, Dr. Ben Nwoye, who made the declaration at a press briefing, urged other presidential aspirants on the platform of the party not to be deceived by certain groups in the State who were scheming to drain their pockets. 2. The United States Government has said it does not categorize the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation. Spokesman for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, who made this known, also stated that the US was committed to Nigeria’s unity and would support a peaceful resolution of any crisis in the country. 3. Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has called President Muhammadu Buhari “an uncircumcised philistine”. Fani-Kayode described Buhari as an uncircumcised Philistine that has chosen to defy the armies of the Living God. 4. The General Overseer of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Bishop Mike Okonkwo, has said that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, should link up with the Arewa Youths, the Oduduwa group and the youths of the Niger Delta. Okonkwo said that all those agitating, should take on the political class together. 5. The All Progressives Congress (APC), Katsina State chapter on Saturday, endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari and the State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari for second terms. The party Chairman, Shittu S. Shittu, at the end of its executive meeting held at the party headquarters in Katsina, said it had unanimously endorsed the candidature of the duo in the forthcoming 2019 general election. 6. The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Princess Nkeiruka Nwude, has said that no arrest of members of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been made in the state. She said members of the group had been peaceful and going about their normal businesses within the state. 7. Popular Nollywood actor and producer, Friday Ugwu, famously known as Okaka De Don is dead. Ugwu, who is also known as DJ Kross died last night in a fatal road accident along Lagos – Badagry Express road in Ojo. 8. The General Overseer, Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministries International, Prophet Emmanuel Omale has allayed fears by some Nigerians over the possibility of the country breaking up or going into another civil war. The prophet claimed that Jesus Christ told him “one-on-one” that Nigeria will not only remain united but will also be prosperous. 9. The immediate past General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church, Prophet Samuel Abiara, According to him, there is no way corruption will end in Nigeria before Jesus Christ comes, adding that they stole so much and keep them in bizarre places. 10. A national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has said restructuring will bring much needed balance to the country. The former Lagos State governor, however, said he was against the split of the country.

Biafra: US Government says IPOB not terrorist organization

The United States Government has said it does not categorize the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation. In a correspondence with Sunday Punch, the spokesman for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, also stated 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. “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,” he said. 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. 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.