The United States Government has said that despite the proscription of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) by the Nigerian government, it does not consider the group as a terrorist organization.

Russell Brooks, the spokesman for the American Embassy in Nigeria who made the disclosure in Abuja while answering to enquiries made by a Punch reporter on Sunday, however stated that the US is committed to ensuring the unity of the country and would support any measure that would douse the tension in the nation.

“The United States Government is strongly committed to Nigeria’s unity. Important political and economic issues affecting the Nigerian people, such as the allocation of resources, are worthwhile topics for respectful debate in a democracy,” Brooks said.

He added: “Within the context of unity, we encourage all Nigerians to support a de-escalation of tensions and peaceful resolution of all grievances. The Indigenous People of Biafra is not a terrorist organisation under US law.”

 

Mr. Brooks however did not state the position of the United States Government on IPOB’s agitation for secession and self – determination by the Igbo people of Nigeria. .