IPOB members on a rally
The United States Government has said it does not categorize the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organization, but adds that it believes in a united one Nigeria and not in a dismembered Nigeria.
The spokesman for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Russell Brooks, in a correspondence with Punch newspapers stressed 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.
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.
Many Nigerians have condemned the action taken by the Nigerian government in profiling IPOB as a terror group, citing UN and African Charters to support their argument that the right to agitate for self-determination is a fundamental human right.
