IPOB Raising False Claims Of Christian Persecution – Presidency

The Presidency on Sunday accused the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) of using what it claimed were false allegations of persecution of Christians against the Nigerian State.

Malam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement in Abuja, said that the Federal Government had since uncovered two interconnected campaigns being run concurrently by the IPOB in that regard.

According to him, 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.

He said the real purpose was to drive a wedge between the Nigerian 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, it claims to have an interest in the welfare of Christians – but this is a ruse.

“The case for independence, IPOB leadership believes, is strengthened by `proving’ the government of Nigeria is `autocratic’, engaged in a `silent slaughter’ of 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,’’ he said.

The presidential aide therefore advised Nigerians and the international community 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’’.

He said further: “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).

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