FG Blasts UK Govt, Tells It Not To Grant Asylum To IPOB Members

The Nigerian government in its submission said the UK government was undermining security in Nigeria by its actions.

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 reacting to the plan by the UK government, 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.

“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.

“The decision amounts to sabotaging the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security.

“It is not only unconscionable, it is inexplicable.

“For the UK to choose this time to give succour to IPOB beggars belief and calls to question the UK’s real intention.

“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.” the Minister said on Tuesday at a forum organised by NAN.

Meanwhile, human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, on Tuesday warned that the death of the President of Chad, Idriss Deby and the security issues in the country will affect Nigeria.

The Chad Army announced the death of Deby on Tuesday after sustaining injuries while fighting with the country’s troops against the rebels who advanced towards the state capital, Ndjamena.

Deby was killed a few days after he was re-elected for the sixth term in office.

Adeyanju called on political leaders in the country to have a deep thought about President Deby’s death.

According to him, the insecurity in Chad will end up affecting Nigeria and its sub-region if not tackled.