IPOB Creating a split among Nigeria, the United States, EU Allies − Presidency

IPOB members

The Presidency has blamed the Biafra Indigenous People (IPOB) of using what it believes is false allegations of persecution of Christians against the Nigerian State to create a divide between the government and the United States, UK and European allies. A report released by Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media & Publicity) Garba Shehu in Abuja on Sunday said it aimed to attract the attention of all people and the global community to a "most misleading campaign" led by the anti-secessionist party.

The comment said: "A very full and detailed inquiry by a Nigerian government agency, working with international collaborators has made us conscious that the IPOB is running two interrelated campaigns in this relation at the same time. "Both are using Christianity's cover – and calling for the appointment of a US Special Envoy to stop the 'genocide' of Christians in Nigeria. "But the actual objective is to push a divot between the government of Nigeria and its allies in the USA and the UK / Europe. "Of course, IPOB leadership proclaims itself as 'Jewish,' a position not shared by the members' generality.

'For reasons of convenience, he claims to have an interest in the welfare of Christians – but this is a ruse: the case for independence, the leader believes, is reinforced by 'proving' that Nigeria's government is 'autocratic,' engaged in a 'silent slaughter' of its own citizens along religion and ethnic lines – and thus the only viable option for a unique religious and ethnic mino.

The comment recommended Nigerians and the global community to be wary of this polarizing campaign, saying that "known information demonstrates that since October 2019 it has been funded with a monthly income of $85,000 USD, with no record of the source of that generosity." The comment said on: "The campaign comprises of producing articles in the names of the suspected leaders of Christian NGOs (of campai). 

"Unfortunately, several Congressmen have clearly been informed that there is still a 'Christian oppression' taking place in Nigeria – and they cite the campaign – and that they are willing to take up the issue directly with the White House to name a special envoy." According to the Presidency, the American charity has won a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and made presidential appointments.