Welcome, Guest: Register On Nairaland / LOGIN! / Trending / Recent / New
Stats: 3,154,298 members, 7,822,483 topics. Date: Thursday, 09 May 2024 at 11:44 AM

IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi - Politics - Nairaland

Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi (7386 Views)

Peter Obi Decries Fake Media Reports Targeted To Discredit Him (Photos) / No Political Figure Has Disgraced Nigeria Internationally Like Tinubu / Osoba Donated 5,000 Pounds To Maryam Abacha - Olawale Oshun (2) (3) (4)

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (Reply) (Go Down)

IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Ecstasy154(m): 7:26pm On Jun 07, 2020
The presidency has released the statement below accusing an outlawed separtist group of working to discredit the Nigerian government internationally, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wants an independent country of Biafra, made up of the Igbo-speaking part of Nigeria, largely in the South-eastern part of the country.

The group was outlawed in Nigeria after the federal government accused it of terrorism, although most of its programmes and protests have been largely peaceful.

The government has also clamped down violently on IPOB members with some of the attacks condemned by rights groups including Amnesty International.

The leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu, is currently on exile abroad after he jumped bail from his trial for treason in Nigeria.

In a statement Sunday by President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, he accused IPOB of waging a smear camapign to accuse the Nigerian government of encouraging the persecution of Christians.

“Nigerians and the international community are advised to be wary of this divisive campaign, which available evidence shows is being funded with a monthly spending of $85,000 USD since October 2019, with no records of the source of this largesse,” Mr Shehu wrote.

Read Mr Shehu’s full statement below.

IPOB, SELF-PROCLAIMED JEWS, USING CHRISTIANITY TO WAGE WAR AGAINST THE NIGERIAN STATE

The Presidency wishes to draw the attention of all citizens and the international community to a most misleading campaign spearheaded by the so-called Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) using false allegations of persecution of Christians against the Nigerian State.

A very deep and wide investigation by an agency of the Nigerian government, working with international partners have made us become aware that there are two, interconnected campaigns being run concurrently by the IPOB in this regard.

Both are using the cover of Christianity – and calling for a US Special Envoy to be appointed to stop the “genocide” of Christians in Nigeria. But the real purpose is to drive a wedge between the Nigeria government and its US and UK/European allies.

IPOB leadership of course self-proclaims as “Jewish,” a position not shared by the generality of the members.

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 strengthened by “proving” the government of Nigeria is “autocratic”, engaged in a “silent slaughter” of their own citizens along religion and ethnic lines – and that therefore the only viable option for the unique religious and ethnic minority is a sovereign Biafra separate from Nigeria.

Nigerians and the international community are advised to be wary of this divisive campaign, which available evidence shows is being funded with a monthly spending of $85,000 USD since October 2019, with no records of the source of this largesse.

The campaign consists of producing articles in the names of the alleged Christian NGOs’ leaders (of campaign groups created at the time this PR contract with a US lobbying firm was signed) and letters to and from members of Congress to the White House.


Unfortunately, some Members of Congress have clearly been persuaded there is indeed a “Christian persecution” underway in Nigeria – and do so quoting the campaign – and they are known to be taking up the case directly with the White House to appoint the special envoy.

The American charity secured a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and has made presentations to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

There is also a UK and European angle of the Campaign, which is more opaque than its US sister campaign – given there is less legal requirement for public filings – but what is known of this at the moment is that their Budget is sufficient to hire four PR firms in the UK, Belgium, France and the US (the latter additional to the above).

They have founded an “NGO/Charity” and a linked web-based campaign named “Stop the Silent Slaughter” which is well designed and complete with video “evidence”-completely concocted.

Members of the alleged Christian NGO have had multiple Op-Ed articles in conservative news websites promulgating their message of a “Christian Genocide”. Some of those articles have also been used as “evidence” in the sister US campaign.

Two of those conservative news websites were co-founded by the owner of the UK PR firm they have hired to generate their publicity as well as an OP-Ed article in the name of a British MP who may have been convinced by their campaign under false pretences.

They have secured additional coverage in France, EU and Germany.

They secured a MPs debate on the “Christian Genocide” in the House of Commons in which staff member of the UK PR was referenced as the “private secretary” to the leader of the UK-based Charity.



It is clear from all of the above that the IPOB’s extraordinarily and dubiously well-funded campaign in the US and UK/Europe is misusing the issue of the welfare of Christians purely to further their own political ends, and it seeks to damage inter-religious dialogue in Nigeria as well as to damage the international reputation of Nigeria.

Nigerians and the international community are hereby advised to ignore this campaign as they have disregarded similar past campaigns originated by this group which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian State.

International groups and societies are welcome to send representatives to Nigeria and give a lie to the false claims made by these terrorist groups who are duping them of their money and involving them in conduct and activities disguised to destroy the harmonious relationships existing between their home countries and Nigeria.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/396584-ipob-spending-85000-pounds-monthly-to-discredit-nigeria-internationally-presidency.html

5 Likes 1 Share

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by CANDYDADDY(m): 7:31pm On Jun 07, 2020
.


Am from the south west,any time i see any headline about IPOB,i always voluntarily support them even without reading the said news

Nigerian never have any solidarity trait so far

78 Likes 3 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Vyzz: 7:31pm On Jun 07, 2020
L
Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by SLAP44: 7:32pm On Jun 07, 2020
Nigeria has lost this battle, when you see a whole presidency descending low enough to fight propaganda wars with a unit of the country, the leadership has lost the fight.

It's only a matter of time before everything caves in.

73 Likes 9 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Kingspin(m): 7:33pm On Jun 07, 2020
After you tag Ipob a terrorist organization

Shame on the presidency.

Is the highest time we restructure, stop free money, govs are lazy cos of it.
Every state must work hard to compete, the term should be "workchop".

Or divide us so that when i stay in my village I stay in peace.

60 Likes 2 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by SLAP44: 7:34pm On Jun 07, 2020
Kingspin:
After you tag Ipob a terrorist organization


Shame on presidency

Very big shame.

52 Likes

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by donbachi(m): 7:36pm On Jun 07, 2020
They are destroying the image of nigeria,internationally..solution;
Let them go.

41 Likes 4 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by djevino(m): 7:36pm On Jun 07, 2020
I thought they are terrorist? Lol.
IPOB keep it up

70 Likes 7 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by helinues: 7:37pm On Jun 07, 2020
Idle presidency

28 Likes 2 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by SLAP44: 7:38pm On Jun 07, 2020
They cannot afford to ignore IPOB again grin grin grin

64 Likes 3 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by SLAP44: 7:39pm On Jun 07, 2020
donbachi:
They are destroying the image of nigeria,internationally..solution;

Let them go.

There's nothing left to destroy about Nigeria.

45 Likes 3 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Ogonimilitant(m): 7:40pm On Jun 07, 2020
Ok

1 Like

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by oluwadabira111(m): 7:41pm On Jun 07, 2020
but the allegation is partially true undecided

6 Likes

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by djevino(m): 7:41pm On Jun 07, 2020
SLAP44:


There's nothing left to destroy about Nigeria.

wink No peace for the wicked

31 Likes

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Ogonimilitant(m): 7:41pm On Jun 07, 2020
CANDYDADDY:
.


Am from the southwest, any time I see any headline about IPOB, I always voluntarily support them even without reading the said news

Nigerian never have any solidarity trait so far
liar. Afonja has started, l know one day will come when all of you we say we have been supporting IPOB.

See how things are changing very fast. Trust them at your peril.

6 Likes 1 Share

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Nobody: 7:45pm On Jun 07, 2020
donbachi:
They are destroying the image of nigeria,internationally..solution;

Let them go.

Okay, how?

How do you let them go, walk me through the process, step by step.

1 Like

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by CANDYDADDY(m): 7:46pm On Jun 07, 2020
Ogonimilitant:
liar. Afonja has started


not all afoja detest you guys and
stfu,not every yoruba is a zombie

any yoruba that support buhari and his led APC government are brainless yoruba Muslim

mark my word if Tinubu eventually won the primary election in 2023,i bet he will not have any yoruba's state pledges and overall votes

30 Likes 2 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by oluwadabira111(m): 7:47pm On Jun 07, 2020
SLAP44:
Nigeria has lost this battle, when you see a whole presidency descending low enough to fight propaganda wars with a unit of the country, the leadership has lost the fight.

It's only a matter of time before everything caves in.
I just tire for the presidency. but wait what IPOB is saying is partially true the killing of Christian is going on through out the country and the presidency has never and will never say anything on it! IPOB should just increase their tempo on Christian killing they should loud it throughout Europe and american this government needs to be sanction especially for human right/life abuse

37 Likes 3 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Earlystar698(m): 7:48pm On Jun 07, 2020
I thought some people said Nnamdi Kanu is only making noise on social media I don't know that these people always have a sleepless nights Everytime they remember Nnamdi grin grin grin grin





Nnamdi Kanu always said the Zoo is finished grin
Ride on Ohamadike

51 Likes 5 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by athaboi(f): 7:49pm On Jun 07, 2020
Nonsense Garba shehu...wah da f**ck is your government doing to make Nigerians believe in her?? If this is true then that young man Kanu is doing wonders..I bet you, it's not just for the igbos but most importantly the small small Christian communities in the north that are being killed everyday..from kaduna to taraba to adamawa to plateau to benue. Even if it won't bring biafra, let Christian minorities in the north be save

13 Likes 2 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by oluwadabira111(m): 7:50pm On Jun 07, 2020
angry
helinues:
Idle presidency
angry
Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by mu2sa2: 7:52pm On Jun 07, 2020
Wetin consign zhew with chlistchans?

1 Like

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by ZZ22: 7:52pm On Jun 07, 2020
A time would come when Nigeria will kneel and beg IPOB for negotiation but it'd be too late by then

39 Likes 8 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Nobody: 7:54pm On Jun 07, 2020
The main purpose of IPOB’s campaign of misinformation is to confuse many Igbos with contradictory lies that will be repeated here and there until Igbos do not know what the truth is. For years, Igbos have allowed IPOB to spread lies that have poisoned the trust between us and the rest of the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

The cutting words of IPOB is worse than a bowstring. While a cut may heal, the cut of the tongue does not. Ultimately, what IPOB has succeeded in doing is stir up hatred between Igbos and the rest of Nigerians. So, I stand bold to state that IPOB is a disease; the lies and venom that they are vomiting through Nnamdi Kanu do not have to make sense to be successful as a disease.

C. Okonkwo

3 Likes 2 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by SonOfEl(m): 7:54pm On Jun 07, 2020
Ecstasy154:
The presidency has released the statement below accusing an outlawed separtist group of working to discredit the Nigerian government internationally, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) wants an independent country of Biafra, made up of the Igbo-speaking part of Nigeria, largely in the South-eastern part of the country.

The group was outlawed in Nigeria after the federal government accused it of terrorism, although most of its programmes and protests have been largely peaceful.

The government has also clamped down violently on IPOB members with some of the attacks condemned by rights groups including Amnesty International.

The leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu, is currently on exile abroad after he jumped bail from his trial for treason in Nigeria.

In a statement Sunday by President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesperson, Garba Shehu, he accused IPOB of waging a smear camapign to accuse the Nigerian government of encouraging the persecution of Christians.

“Nigerians and the international community are advised to be wary of this divisive campaign, which available evidence shows is being funded with a monthly spending of $85,000 USD since October 2019, with no records of the source of this largesse,” Mr Shehu wrote.

Read Mr Shehu’s full statement below.

IPOB, SELF-PROCLAIMED JEWS, USING CHRISTIANITY TO WAGE WAR AGAINST THE NIGERIAN STATE

The Presidency wishes to draw the attention of all citizens and the international community to a most misleading campaign spearheaded by the so-called Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) using false allegations of persecution of Christians against the Nigerian State.

A very deep and wide investigation by an agency of the Nigerian government, working with international partners have made us become aware that there are two, interconnected campaigns being run concurrently by the IPOB in this regard.

Both are using the cover of Christianity – and calling for a US Special Envoy to be appointed to stop the “genocide” of Christians in Nigeria. But the real purpose is to drive a wedge between the Nigeria government and its US and UK/European allies.

IPOB leadership of course self-proclaims as “Jewish,” a position not shared by the generality of the members.

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 strengthened by “proving” the government of Nigeria is “autocratic”, engaged in a “silent slaughter” of their own citizens along religion and ethnic lines – and that therefore the only viable option for the unique religious and ethnic minority is a sovereign Biafra separate from Nigeria.

Nigerians and the international community are advised to be wary of this divisive campaign, which available evidence shows is being funded with a monthly spending of $85,000 USD since October 2019, with no records of the source of this largesse.

The campaign consists of producing articles in the names of the alleged Christian NGOs’ leaders (of campaign groups created at the time this PR contract with a US lobbying firm was signed) and letters to and from members of Congress to the White House.


Unfortunately, some Members of Congress have clearly been persuaded there is indeed a “Christian persecution” underway in Nigeria – and do so quoting the campaign – and they are known to be taking up the case directly with the White House to appoint the special envoy.

The American charity secured a meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and has made presentations to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom.

There is also a UK and European angle of the Campaign, which is more opaque than its US sister campaign – given there is less legal requirement for public filings – but what is known of this at the moment is that their Budget is sufficient to hire four PR firms in the UK, Belgium, France and the US (the latter additional to the above).

They have founded an “NGO/Charity” and a linked web-based campaign named “Stop the Silent Slaughter” which is well designed and complete with video “evidence”-completely concocted.

Members of the alleged Christian NGO have had multiple Op-Ed articles in conservative news websites promulgating their message of a “Christian Genocide”. Some of those articles have also been used as “evidence” in the sister US campaign.

Two of those conservative news websites were co-founded by the owner of the UK PR firm they have hired to generate their publicity as well as an OP-Ed article in the name of a British MP who may have been convinced by their campaign under false pretences.

They have secured additional coverage in France, EU and Germany.

They secured a MPs debate on the “Christian Genocide” in the House of Commons in which staff member of the UK PR was referenced as the “private secretary” to the leader of the UK-based Charity.



It is clear from all of the above that the IPOB’s extraordinarily and dubiously well-funded campaign in the US and UK/Europe is misusing the issue of the welfare of Christians purely to further their own political ends, and it seeks to damage inter-religious dialogue in Nigeria as well as to damage the international reputation of Nigeria.

Nigerians and the international community are hereby advised to ignore this campaign as they have disregarded similar past campaigns originated by this group which has been designated as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian State.

International groups and societies are welcome to send representatives to Nigeria and give a lie to the false claims made by these terrorist groups who are duping them of their money and involving them in conduct and activities disguised to destroy the harmonious relationships existing between their home countries and Nigeria.

Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/396584-ipob-spending-85000-pounds-monthly-to-discredit-nigeria-internationally-presidency.html



Nigerian Government is now showing how insecure they really are. IPOB giving them nightmares.

IPOB is really terrorizing the Nigerian Government. Lol...

27 Likes 1 Share

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by saaron(m): 7:54pm On Jun 07, 2020
And the numerous people singled out in transport vehicles in Northeast and slaughtered by Boko Haram are Hindu worshipers right? What about the viral video of a Christian student murdered by a terrorist small boy because of his faith? Was the student Hindu? Was that a lie? What about Christians murdered and slaughtered including women and children by Fulani terrorist with their communities seized and occupied by the same terrorist murderers with full knowledge of buhari's Fulani regime? Where they Budist? Was that a lie? What about Leah Sharibu held in captivity for years by Boko Haram Muslim terrorists group because she refused to renounce her faith? Is she a Shinto worshiper? Was that a propaganda lie by IPOB? Bloody lying Taqiyya regime.
It's a FACT undisputed both locally and internationally that no govt in the history of Nigeria embarked on deliberate persecution of Christians like buhari's Fulani regime - FULANIZATION OF NIGERIA via RUGA through invasion and slaughter of Christians by Fulani militias for Fulani occupation.
Only a PATHOLOGICAL LIAR with no iota of Truth will Deny the above.
Christians have never faced much persecution and death like buhari's Fulani regime.
ONE NIGERIA DOES NOT EXIST!

28 Likes 5 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Racoon(m): 7:54pm On Jun 07, 2020
So are the killings true or not? When it's IPOB then you see them fuming.Bunch of useless mofos angry How come the government have intelligence on this if true but have not contained the activities of unknown gunmen, Fulani/BH terrorists wreaking the havoc.

Instead the government have continued to be the mouth piece of these killer groups always trying to rationalize their atrocities.Let them continue the lies & propaganda

17 Likes

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Nobody: 7:56pm On Jun 07, 2020
Kanu spent 85k out of 143k on propaganda? Chei Biafra why? How did Kanu hijack noble cause from you innocent children of Rising sun? cry

4 Likes 2 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Earlystar698(m): 8:01pm On Jun 07, 2020
MinorityOpinion:
The main purpose of IPOB’s campaign of misinformation is to confuse many Igbos with contradictory lies that will be repeated here and there until Igbos do not know what the truth is. For years, Igbos have allowed IPOB to spread lies that have poisoned the trust between us and the rest of the ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

The cutting words of IPOB is worse than a bowstring. While a cut may heal, the cut of the tongue does not. Ultimately, what IPOB has succeeded in doing is stir up hatred between Igbos and the rest of Nigerians. So, I stand bold to state that IPOB is a disease; the lies and venom that they are vomiting through Nnamdi Kanu do not have to make sense to be successful as a disease.

C. Okonkwo

25 Likes 2 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by SonOfEl(m): 8:02pm On Jun 07, 2020
MinorityOpinion:
Kanu spent 85k out of 143k on propaganda? Chei Biafra why? How did Kanu hijack noble cause from you innocent children of Rising sun? cry

Never mind, biafrans aren't complaining... rather it's the FG

33 Likes 4 Shares

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by eagleu: 8:05pm On Jun 07, 2020
Discredit Nigeria?
Buhari and his Fulani followers are doing their best to discredit Nigeria.

I don't think they need help from anyone.

13 Likes

Re: IPOB Spending 85,000 Pounds Monthly To Discredit Nigeria Internationally – Presi by Earlystar698(m): 8:05pm On Jun 07, 2020
MinorityOpinion:
Kanu spent 85k out of 143k on propaganda? Chei Biafra why? How did Kanu hijack noble cause from you innocent children of Rising sun? cry
you will cry tire this week Nigeria army self don tire grin

30 Likes 5 Shares

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (Reply)

Lagos: Rising From The Challenges Of 2020 (Video) / How Come Herdsmen Don't Attack these states / Kogi: Agbakoba Heads To Court, Insists EFCC Must Not Undermine Rule Of Law

(Go Up)

Sections: politics (1) business autos (1) jobs (1) career education (1) romance computers phones travel sports fashion health
religion celebs tv-movies music-radio literature webmasters programming techmarket

Links: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10)

Nairaland - Copyright © 2005 - 2024 Oluwaseun Osewa. All rights reserved. See How To Advertise. 73
Disclaimer: Every Nairaland member is solely responsible for anything that he/she posts or uploads on Nairaland.