The British Government is reported to have withdrawn the asylum policy it granted the persecuted members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
The British High Commission in Nigeria had on Wednesday, said that all asylum and human rights claims from Nigerian nationals will be considered on their individual merits in accordance with its international obligations.
The Commission added that it has a proud history of providing protection to those who need it, in accordance with its international obligations under the Refugee Convention and European Convention on Human Rights.
However, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, in a swift reaction, responded that such plans for IPOB and MASSOB members is totally wrong.
Mohammed said that the decision is disrespectful and inexplicable adding that it is a move that would sabotage Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and undermine its security.
The British High Commission responded that the UK had a proud history of providing protection to those who needed it.
On its part, IPOB had rejected the reported plans by the UK Government to offer ‘persecuted’ members asylum.
Its position was contained in a statement by its publicity secretary, Emma Powerful. The group said that what it needs is not asylum but a referendum that will lead to freedom from Nigeria.
It used the occasion to also laud the move by the UK Government but said it is better to get a referendum and become independent than to abandon their agitation and flee to the UK.
In an email sent to Radio Now and signed by Hannah Dawson, Senior Communications Officer-Newsdesk at the Home Office, the British Government said the policy is being reviewed and will be updated once it is ready.
No time frame was given for the feedback on the updated policy but she said that the policy will be uploaded to their website once it is ready.
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