The Federal Government of Nigeria may summon the United Kingdom envoy over Britain's plan to grant asylum to members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other Biafra agitators.
The UK government had unveiled plans to grant asylum to persecuted members of IPOB and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
But in a swift reaction, Nigeria's Minister for Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said if indeed the UK government has such plans for IPOB and MASSOB members, then something is wrong somewhere, adding that it will be sabotage against Nigeria's fight against terrorism.
The minister stated that the UK government was undermining security in Nigeria by its actions.
"Let me say straightaway that this issue is within the purview of the honourable minister of foreign affairs and I am sure he will handle it appropriately."
"But 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 of Nigeria as a nation."
Reports have now emerged that Muhammadu Buhari-led government would demand an explanation from the UK.
A senior official of the Federal Government told The PUNCH that the government wants an explanation on what it considered as inappropriate and a veiled support for the outlawed group which had been agitating for the disintegration of the country.
The source stated, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will definitely take up the asylum offer to IPOB with the British High Commission. The government may summon the High Commissioner and demand an explanation for their decision which is totally inappropriate and a form of support for the proscribed group.''
source https://www.naijanews.com/2021/04/21/ipob-massob-fg-may-summon-british-envoy/
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