The Federal Government of Nigeria, (FG) has faulted the United Kingdom over its decision to grant asylum to members of the Indengious People of Biafra (IPOB)
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) has begun granting asylum applications to IPOB members. The agency had released new guidelines to its decision-makers on how to consider and grant 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).
Reacting to the development, the Federal Government criticized the decision describing it as a support for terrorism.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, at a press briefing at the state house, Abuja, declared the decision unacceptable, adding that it is a disrespect to the country.
The Federal Government had declared IPOB a terror group and proscribed its activities following allegations of violent act and treasonable activities.
According to Mohammed, UK is trying to sabotage the fight against terrorism and generally undermining Nigeria’s security. The minister stated that the decision of UK to grant asylum to IPOB members needs to be questioned given the fact that the South East is currently experiencing consistent attacks on public institutions, especially police stations.
Imo State Police Headquarters and Correctional Facility were attacked by unidentified hoodlums on April 5.
The New Diplomat had also reported that the immediate former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) had alleged that the attack was orchestrated by the Eastern Security Outfit (ESN) of the IPOB but the group denied the allegation.
Recently, hoodlums also attacked a divisional police headquarters, Adani, in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to the minister, the timing of the decision of UK is suspicious. “For the UK to choose this time to give succor to IPOB beggars belief and calls to question the UK’s real intention,” he said.
“It is not only unconscionable, but it is also inexplicable…
“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,’’ he added.
However, responding, the British High Commission condemned the comments of the Federal Government, stating that the UK is known for providing protection to those who needed it in accordance with the law.
The British High Commission, in a statement quoted by The Punch, stated that its decision to grant asylum to IPOB members was reached based on merits which was carefully considered.
The commission also noted that all the policies and information regarding the decision are published on the UK official website. The statement reads:
“The UK has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it, in accordance with our international obligations under the Refugee Convention and European Convention on Human Rights.
“Our country policy and information notes are published on the gov.uk website. They are kept under constant review and updated periodically – an update to the Biafra separatist note is expected shortly.
“We publish them since our decisions can be appealed in the immigration courts, which are public, so it is clearer and fairer for all involved (applicants, their lawyers, judges, stakeholders such as the UNHCR) to know what our position and evidence base is.
“All asylum and human rights claims from Nigerian nationals are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations.”
