IPOB/MASSOB members’ asylum: FG may summon British envoy, Ohanaeze, Afenifere back UK

The Federal Government on Tuesday expressed anger over a plan by the United Kingdom to offer asylum to “persecuted” members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, said the plan was disrespectful to Nigeria as a nation.

Mohammed stated this as there were indications on Tuesday that the Federal Government might summon the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, over the asylum offer.
But socio-political groups including the Middle Belt Forum, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, supported the asylum offer by the UK and berated the Federal Government over the development.
The UK Visas and Immigration issued new guidelines to its decision makers on how to consider and grant asylum applications of members of Biafran secessionist groups in Nigeria.

In the guidelines published on assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government, it stated that the asylum would be granted to “persecuted” members of IPOB and MASSOB.

The Federal Government a few years ago designated IPOB, which was formed in 2012 by Nnamdi Kanu, as a terrorist organisation. MASSOB was founded in 1999 by Ralph Uwazuruike.

The two groups are calling for the secession of the Igbo in the South-East and many other ethnic nationalities in the South-South from Nigeria.
In the guidelines titled, ‘Country Policy and Information Note Nigeria: Biafran secessionist groups,’ released in March, the UKVI, a division of the Home Office, directed its decision makers to consider if a person “who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of arrest and detention, and ill-treatment which is likely to amount to persecution.’’

It further said the UK must also consider if the Federal Government’s actions were acts of prosecution, not persecution.
“Those fleeing prosecution or punishment for a criminal offence are not normally refugees. Prosecution may, however, amount to persecution if it involves victimisation in its application by the authorities,’’ the 56-page document noted.

An example of persecution, the UKVI said was “if it is the vehicle or excuse for or if only certain groups are prosecuted for a particular offence and the consequences of that discrimination are sufficiently severe. Punishment which is cruel, inhuman or degrading (including punishment which is out of all proportion to the offence committed) may also amount to persecution.”
On the alleged marginalisation of the Igbo, which it said led to the current agitation by IPOB, it said, ‘’Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has been perceived by some as being dismissive and unsympathetic towards the people of the South-East, particularly with regard to the appointment of senior government officials which appeared to favour his northern constituents.

“Some Igbo complain of under-representation in the Federal Government, marginalisation, deficient infrastructure as a result of a smaller allocation of federal resources than other regions, and a sense of historical grievance against a state that they say does not represent them.’’

The UK government observed that new independence movements were, ‘’reportedly driven by a sense of unfair treatment and marginalisation.’’

It disclosed that MASSOB and IPOB had largely advocated peaceful change but on occasions had used rhetoric that might encourage violent resistance, adding that IPOB in particular, through its online platform, Radio Biafra, and online comments of its leader, Kanu, had stoked secessionist aspirations and encouraged resistance to the authorities.

The guidelines noted that though MASSOB was not a banned organisation and continued to conduct public activities, a number of its supporters had been arrested – and some killed during demonstrations.

It stated, ‘’MASSOB, since its formation in the late 1990s, has clashed with the security forces. Numerous members have been killed, wounded and arrested – usually during demonstrations. Over a hundred arrests were made in September 2018, at least 10 in 2019; and, in July 2020, it was reported that members of MASSOB were arrested following clashes with the police.
“IPOB has in recent years become the dominant Biafran group. Since 2015, the security forces have reportedly extra-judicially killed tens and injured hundreds of its supporters and leadership, often using excessive force to control protests.

“The security forces have also arrested hundreds of IPOB supporters at different events, usually when disrupting demonstrations or marches to promote Biafran independence, particularly during 2015 to 2017, as well as during raids on the homes of IPOB leaders. Sources also report clashes with the authorities during 2018 and Amnesty reported that security forces arrested at least 200 and killed 10 supporters at different times during 2019.

“Further clashes and violence occurred between security forces and IPOB in August 2020 in the city of Enugu when the police stormed an IPOB meeting and also in October 2020 during confrontations in Rivers State. These incidents resulted in the arrests and deaths of IPOB supporters as well security force personnel, although there seem to be contradictory reporting on the exact figures.”
The UKVI also hinted at reports indicating that some IPOB members, supporters and leaders arrested had been charged with treason which is punishable with the death penalty.

On cases for consideration for asylum, the UK agency said, “A risk of persecution will depend on their role, profile and activities for the group, and previous arrests by the state. A person who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of arrest and detention, and ill-treatment which is likely to amount to persecution. Each case will need to be carefully considered on its facts, with the onus on the applicants to demonstrate that they are likely to face a risk of persecution.’’

While acknowledging instances of attacks on security forces by IPOB members, the agency said where members of MASSOB or IPOB had incited or used violence to disrupt public order, the government might have legitimate grounds to arrest and prosecute those people.
It, however, argued that “where the government has arrested and detained persons who, for example, peacefully participate in demonstrations and has then charged them with treason or the person is subjected to periods of detention in degrading or inhuman conditions, such treatment is unlikely to be fair or proportionate, and is likely to amount to persecution.”

A senior official of the Federal Government, who confided in one of our correspondents, stated that the government would demand an explanation from the UK on its decision which Nigeria 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.’’

https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/ipob-massob-members-asylum-fg-may-summon-british-envoy-ohanaeze-afenifere-back-uk/%3famp

E pain dem

While bandits, fulani killer mafias and BH terrorists with the like of the communication minister continue to enjoy support from this satanic government.

This development by Britain despite I hate them for forcing us into a failed contraption of state union with these terrorists and supporters of terrorism, it is a clear indication that the toga of terrorists the Buhari satanic regime placed on IPOB is not seen as such by the British government.So shame on the hypocrites.Toonu Chineke!

When will the DSS invite Isa Pantami for question even if it is known they knew about his past yet screened him for ministerial post in Nigeria?

Oluwamarc:
A

A for Apple

....While we commend the UK for this bold initiative, we wish to most graciously remind them that what we Biafrans need and cherish the most is referendum and not asylum in the UK. We are tired of living in bondage in the devilish contraption called Nigeria they created.”

Yeah! Every sane Nigerian not IPOB alone should earnestly crave for this to materialize.Nigeria is gone into the hands of terrorists.

Meanwhile, "..President Muhammadu Buhari has thrown his weight behind the people of Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, SADR, otherwise called Western Sahara, stating that Nigeria would ensure the realization of their self-determination and independence..." http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/buhari-backs-western-sahara-on-self-determination-from-morocco/?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

Even pledging on our behalf to support an Islamic nation succession from another.Something we didnt consent to? Even the former advocates of one Nigeria have realized the fraud therein.So succession is not a crime & it is possible because unity is not by force.

Yes! Nigeria will divide because it will not be the first nation to split.USSR split and heaven didnt fall.Even some states are now agitating to leave the USA.South Sudan have all splited from the Sudan even with their pre and post separation crisis.So all of you are mad.Just like USSR, Nigeria will self disintegrate because sane Nigerians cant continue to share nationality with terrorists and their supporters.

Racoon:
While bandits, fulani killer mafias and BH terrorists with the like of the communication minister continue to enjoy support from this satanic government.When will the DSS invite Isa Pantami for question even if it is known they knew about his past yet screened him for ministerial post in Nigeria?

That is Nigeria for you

This thing really pained this terrorists filled government sha

The deed has already gotten done. A contraption called Nigeria has failed to address the plethora of complaints amongst its people.
We can't pretend away a problem that has been facing us since 1960.

Proud igbo boy.....

Biafra is here to stay!!!

Shuuu, so you mean say, if kasala burst me and my family fit waka enter UK free of charge

Woo

Sound's Encouraging !!


The asylum no bad Sha... But we need referendum!!!

Na Help we need...

Cus BUHARI No CARE!!

HE CARES ONLY FOR NIGER,CHAD AND HIS FAMILY!!!!


Buhari think say because, he goes to Uk for Treatment, that makes him and his government, good people Bahh...

This one shock them...

Confused set of humans!! With their disgusting thinking mentality

Life expectancy in Nigeria is too short for me to read all this.

At topic:

The Uk can see thru the charade in Nigeria.

A former iG proclaimed ipob as the protagonists in an attack that the group denied knowledge of while in the same vain, denying a Fulani group’s claim that they actually carried out an attack.

Adding to the vast online trail of ipob.

Even attacks in the southwest Nigeria was blamed on ipob as being the Antagonists cos they feel it’s easier to blame them for everything.

Every right thinking human can see how pathetic it is here in Nigeria

Lol, the British the Igbos has insulted, abused and called many unprintable names for merging them with the Fulanis are now granting them assylum. And there is jubilation in alaigbo over this news?

Unapologetic and bloody extremists in government.

Mad people in govt. To the mod that banned me for a month for no tangible reason, may your activities for the next one month be upside down

Helineus, monogamy, simplyleo,mannabbqgrill,sarrki,Johnmartus and co zombies...please I came with 2 trailers of geepee tanks and one container of Gucci handkerchiefs.
The exotic geepee tanks are to contain your sorrowful tears and the Gucci handkerchiefs are to wipe your expensive premium tears away...
I'm starting distribution already...first come, first serve



Meanwhile,zombies looking at the thread now

The UK does not owed anyone or government an explanation for taking such far reaching and welcoming decisions.

Any tribe that want to go out of nigeria to form their own country should be free to do so.

FG self get palava... UK Assylum processing is even harder than normal UK visa processing..

Before you can seek for an Assylum, apart from having the regular visa documents, you must also provide evidence of being prosecuted...

Your fulani led FG can't do shing gbain.

Free Visa for ụmụ Chineke, ụmụ Biafra.

Its a shame that the world understands the charade of proscribing IPOB by this fulanicratic government. The world knows who are the real terrorist that needs to be proscribed, unfortunately the fulanicratic government have turned a blind eye to them.

Las Las na cry dem dey cry as the allahu ku boooom keeps raining every now and then in the north

Racoon:
While bandits, fulani killer mafias and BH terrorists with the like of the communication minister continue to enjoy support from this satanic government.When will the DSS invite Isa Pantami for question even if it is known they knew about his past yet screened him for ministerial post in Nigeria?

How can a man fight against his own. Buhari is an extremist and Pantami is a learner compared to Buhari.

Exmilitant:
Lol, the British the Igbos has insulted, abused and called many unprintable names for merging them with the Fulanis are now granting them assylum. And there is jubilation in alaigbo over this news?

You want the Igbos to start crying? Una never know how far ipob have gone. The zoo is gone

Seems UK is trying to make a backdoor friendship with BIAFRA because she knows that BIAFRA will be a great nation and the coming of BIAFRA nation is close.

Monogamy:
FG self get palava... UK Assylum processing is even harder than normal UK visa processing..

Before you can seek for an Assylum, apart from having the regular visa documents, you must also provide evidence of being prosecuted...

The army attacks and killings of IPOB is more than enough evidence for prosecution. Even Wikes clampdown against ipob meetings is an evidence of prosecution. You go wail tire

Anigreat:





This thing really pain this terrorists filled government sha

Simplyleo, monogamy, and helinues must come and defend the kwontiri now

Cc lzaa ngadaawo

Akwamkpuruamu:


The army attacks and killings of IPOB is more than enough evidence for prosecution. Even Wikes clampdown against ipob meetings is an evidence of prosecution. You go wail tire

The Ipob already ate their cake with the delusional thinking of still having it.

We all read a story about a Nigerian who was denied Canada visa cos he once worked for SARS..

Ipob security outfit which is ESN have been attacking Nigeria police, prisons, destroying properties.

How are they going to present themselves to UK assylum office?

As an Ipob members who have been causing damages in their region or as a normal Igbo cos to my best of understanding, normal Igbo are not being prosecuted except the miscreants Ipob who want to turn their region into Syria

Zoo Banana Republic too dey make noise

Na my problem with them. Do the needful dem no gree na to make noise up and down

Who dey fear Zoo, Britain go fear Zoo... Zoo dey craze

Monogamy:


The Ipob already ate their cake with the delusional thinking of having it.

We all read a story about a Nigeria who was denied Canada visa cos he once worked for SARS..

Ipob security outfit which is ESN have been attacking Nigeria police, prisons, destroying properties.

How are they going to present themselves to UK assylum office?

As an Ipob members who have been causing damages in their region or as a normal Igbo cos to my best of understanding, normal Igbo are not being prosecuted except the miscreants Ipob who want to turn their region into Syria

Sai mama

Mohammed stated this as there were indications on Tuesday that the Federal Government might summon the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, over the asylum offer.





Might summon
see shakara
Bmc over to you

Akwamkpuruamu:


The army attacks and killings of IPOB is more than enough evidence for prosecution. Even Wikes clampdown against ipob meetings is an evidence of prosecution. You go wail tire

Nigeria is upsidedown at the moment, people no longer reason critically any longer. Shame on Wike for ordering the extra judicial massacre of innocent young men of Igbo extraction.

Monogamy:
FG self get palava... UK Assylum processing is even harder than normal UK visa processing..

Before you can seek for an Assylum, apart from having the regular visa documents, you must also provide evidence of being prosecuted...

The blanket offer of asylum to Biafrans by UK is more important and strategic to our course of freedom than the asylum itself. IPOB's reaction even shows they are not excited about that.

Nigeria is a funny country. A country that did nothing against armed Ak47 wielding herdsmen but sent Soldiers after unarmed IPOB protesters and declared them terrorists in 2017

Did Nigeria really think that Britain would follow them to honour that injustice?