The United States Government has stated that it does not view the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation, despite its proscription.
This was disclosed by the spokesman for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks.
He maintained that the US is, however, committed to Nigeria’s unity and is in support of all moves that would de-escalate tensions.
“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 told The Punch.
He declined to answer questions on the US position on the agitation for Biafra.
IPOB was on Wednesday proscribed by the federal government after the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), received the go-ahead from an Abuja High Court as stipulated by the Constitution.
The group was declared a terrorist organisation and the AGF said the order would soon be gazetted.
This immediately followed the group’s condemnation by the all the state governors in the South East of Nigeria under the aegis of the South East Governors Forum.
