Nigerian government condemn UK decision of granting asylum to IPOB and MASSOB members

The Nigerian government has condemned the decision of the United Kingdom to grant asylum to alleged persecuted members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

Lai Mohammed, Nigeria's Information Minister, described it as a deception of the country, a sabotage of the war against terrorism, and a threat to the country's stability.

On Tuesday, the government official gave an interview to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN).

The problem, according to Mohammed, is under the jurisdiction of the Foreign Affairs Minister, who he believes will handle it appropriately.

“As the spokesman for the Federal Government of Nigeria, I will say that if indeed the report that the UK will grant asylum to supposedly persecuted IPOB and MASSOB members is true, then something is wrong somewhere.

“Against the background of the fact that IPOB is not only proscribed but also designated as a terrorist organisation here in Nigeria, the UK’s decision is disrespectful to Nigeria as a nation.

“The decision amounts to sabotaging the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security. It is not only unconscionable, but it is also inexplicable,’’ he said.

Mohammed further recalled the heightened attacks against security agencies in the South East Zone, alleging that IPOB had been indicted as masterminds.

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Nigeria said for the UK to choose this time to give succour to IPOB calls to question its real intentions.

“If we could go down the memory lane, what the UK has done is like Nigeria offering asylum to members of the IRA before the 1998 Good Friday Peace Agreement,’’ he said.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has provided new guidance to its decision-makers on how to consider and award asylum applications from members of Biafran separatist groups.

IPOB and MASSOB members who have been “persecuted” will be given asylum.