IPOB Opposes UK Asylum For Members, Demands Independence Referendum

• Nigeria is a country run by terrorists for the benefit of terrorists

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reacted to decision of the United Kingdom to grant its members asylum.

A referendum is a voting arrangement where the citizens of a country determine the outcome of crucial topical issues, especially ones that are political or economical. Territorial referendum could lead to secession of a province or region from a country.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) had on Tuesday released new guidelines on how to process asylum applications by members of Biafran secessionist groups.

In the guidelines, asylum is to be granted to “persecuted” members of the proscribed IPOB and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

But in a swift response, the federal government described the plan by the UK as disrespectful and unconscionable, noting granting asylum to the separatists undermines Nigeria’s security.

Reacting to the development on Tuesday, Emma Powerful, IPOB media and publicity secretary, said the group was appreciative of the UK government gesture.

Powerful, however, stated that what members of the group wanted was a referendum on self-determination for the south-east of Nigeria not asylum, adding that members of the group were tired of staying in what he called ‘devilish contraption’ that the British unilaterally cobbled together.

“We the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by our great and indomitable leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has noted with satisfaction the news that the United Kingdom has agreed to grant asylum to persecuted Biafra agitators resident in the UK,” he said.

“While we commend them for this bold initiative, we wish to most graciously remind them that what we Biafrans need and cherish the most is referendum and not asylum in the UK.

“We are tired of living in bondage in the devilish contraption called Nigeria they single-handedly created.

“We would not wish our children, now and generations unborn, to share the same geo-political space with those that reward terrorists and criminalize law abiding citizens”

He averred that UK gesture was a testament to the fact the group was not a terrorist organisation but peaceful agitatiors clamouring for freedom.

“We particularly thank the UK government for confirming what the rest of the civilized world already know that the great IPOB worldwide family are not terrorists but peaceful agitators and freedom fighters.

“That Nigeria is a country run by terrorists for the benefit of terrorists has been confirmed by this noble move by the United Kingdom.

“Aso Rock, the seat of power in Nigeria is a terrorist haven with serving ministers who are openly sympathetic to terrorists and their activities coming and going as they please, while freedom fighters are languishing in jail. We want freedom not asylum.”

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